A roofer from Swansea, Sean Phillips, who had invested his life savings into his partner’s dream of opening a cafe in Clacton, found himself dealing cocaine once again when the relationship soured, a court has heard. Phillips, aged 37, was caught with a stash of cocaine in the oven at his home, alongside £1,000 in cash in a cupboard. This incident marked the second time the defendant had been involved in dealing the Class A drug, with his first conviction dating back to 2011 when he was sentenced to 54 months in prison.
Swansea Crown Court was informed that during a police search in the Penlan area of Swansea, officers discovered cocaine, cash, weighing scales, and other drug-related paraphernalia in Phillips’ residence. Messages on his phone indicated his involvement in drug deals, with one customer owing him £870. Despite the evidence against him, Phillips chose to remain silent during police interviews.
Phillips, residing on Heol Frank, Penlan, Swansea, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. His defence counsel, Vince Williams, revealed that after his earlier release from prison, Phillips had returned to work as a roofer and managed to save £12,000. However, a failed relationship and financial troubles led him back to drug dealing as a means of income generation.
Judge Paul Thomas KC noted that Phillips had disregarded the memory of his previous conviction and sentenced him to four years in prison. Phillips will serve half of this term in custody before being released on licence. The judge acknowledged his guilty plea and expressed hope for his rehabilitation upon release.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of returning to criminal activities, even after rebuilding one’s life post-conviction. It underscores the importance of seeking alternative paths when faced with personal setbacks, rather than resorting to illegal means of sustenance. Phillips’ story serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges individuals may encounter in their journey towards redemption.