A university drop-out was discovered in possession of more than £1,000 worth of cocaine after being stopped by the police in Bridgend. Josh Murphy, aged 25, was driving a white Ford Fiesta when officers pulled him over and detected a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle. Murphy tested positive for cannabis and admitted to having a bag containing cannabis in his car, which led to a search uncovering various drug paraphernalia. The police found rolling papers, a grinder, lighters, weighing scales, and jars of cannabis in his possession.
During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Murphy also had £400 in cash and a packet of white powder identified as cocaine in his wallet. Further investigations on his iPhone unveiled messages related to the supply of cocaine and cannabis to multiple contacts. A search with a police dog led to the discovery of additional cocaine hidden in a pot in his car. Subsequent searches at Murphy’s home in Pencoed revealed more cash, drugs, and paraphernalia, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of drugs with a street value between £1,160 and £1,740.
Murphy pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, cannabis, and bromazepam, as well as being involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis. He attributed his actions to drug dependency, which caused him to experience an “emotional breakdown” leading to his university dropout. The court heard that he had a previous conviction for drug driving on the same day as the current offenses. In his defense, Murphy claimed he was a “one man band” and unaware of the full extent of his actions, emphasizing his employment and family support network as factors preventing future offences.
Upon sentencing, Recorder John Philpotts emphasised the seriousness of drug offenses in society, particularly among young people, and imposed a three-year prison sentence on Murphy. He will serve half of the term in custody and the remaining on licence. Murphy’s case serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of involvement in drug supply activities and the impact of substance dependency on individuals’ lives.