Teen Criminal Learns Hard Lesson After Bragging About Not Working for Free
A young drug dealer found himself in handcuffs after defying a community order due to his reluctance to work without pay. Kailem Priestnall, 19, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court for his involvement in cocaine and cannabis distribution to sustain his own substance abuse habits. These habits, including an addiction to nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, had led to long-term leg damage.
The court heard that police attempted to apprehend Priestnall on November 2 last year, but he attempted to flee on a moped that became stuck in mud. Upon his capture following a brief chase, ten bags of cocaine were discovered on his person, along with incriminating messages on one of his phones promoting his illicit trade.
Recorder Jonathan Rees KC highlighted Priestnall’s disregard for authority by evading his community service, which was part of a suspended sentence for previous offences. Despite being ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, Priestnall repeatedly failed to attend his appointments, claiming to a probation officer that he refused to work for free and would prefer imprisonment instead.
Priestnall admitted to dealing drugs to fuel his drug dependencies, which began when he was just 15. His defence lawyer, Rose Glanville, revealed that his addictions had resulted in health issues, notably leg damage from nitrous oxide use. Despite expressing remorse for his actions, Priestnall’s barrister acknowledged his client’s immaturity and poor decision-making.
The court learned of Priestnall’s troubled upbringing, marked by exposure to domestic violence and substance abuse, leading him to reside with his grandfather after multiple school exclusions. Glanville emphasised his aspirations to overcome his addiction and secure stable employment, portraying him as a young individual in need of guidance and support.
In sentencing Priestnall to 32 months in a young offender institution, Recorder Rees took into consideration both his tumultuous past and significant role in the drug trade. The imposed sentence also activated a previous 20-week suspended sentence, to be served consecutively, in addition to a victim services surcharge of £228.
Despite his challenges and poor choices, Priestnall’s case serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of criminal activity and the importance of addressing underlying issues contributing to such behaviour. With the support of rehabilitation services and a commitment to change, individuals like Priestnall can potentially turn their lives around and make positive contributions to society.