A man who attempted to smuggle drugs into a nightclub on Christmas Day has narrowly avoided a prison sentence, with the judge citing two key reasons for the leniency of the sentence. Mohummed Conteh, 24, found himself in Cardiff Crown Court facing charges relating to possessing cocaine with intent to supply at Bloc nightclub in Newport back in 2021. The court heard that Conteh was in possession of 11 bags of cocaine valued at up to £330 when he was apprehended by security staff at the Cambrian Road venue.
Initially pleading not guilty, Conteh later changed his plea to guilty on the day of the trial earlier this year. Despite being found with drug paraphernalia at his residence in Capel Crescent, Newport, Conteh’s clean record and the significant delay in the case coming to court were highlighted by his defence counsel, Hywel Davies. Judge Jeremy Jenkins acknowledged the seriousness of Class A drug offences, noting a typical minimum prison sentence of four years for such crimes. However, he opted to spare Conteh a custodial sentence based on his previous good character and the prolonged period before the case reached trial.
In sentencing Conteh, Judge Jenkins imposed a suspended two-year jail term, requiring Conteh to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 towards prosecution costs. The judge emphasised that Conteh had been “extremely lucky” to avoid imprisonment in this instance. The episode serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the legal ramifications of drug-related offences and the importance of prompt legal proceedings in such cases. Conteh was fortunate to escape incarceration this time, but the outcome could have been significantly different under slightly altered circumstances.