A DRUG addict who sold cannabis to feed his own addiction has sparked a warning to parents from a judge.
Brian Overholt, 41, was caught with a small amount of the Class B drug when police officers raided his home in Mile End Road, Colchester.
Constables also seized a “burner” phone which was offering at least 12 strains of cannabis for sale to users on Valentine’s Day in 2021.
Overholt admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing it, and was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Ipswich Crown Court today (Tuesday).
Judge Martyn Levett said he wanted to warn parents that drugs are being advertised under covert names by dealers.
He said: “The strains of cannabis have different names these days, so parents who look at their children’s mobile phones need to keep an eye out for Cookie, Strawberry Cough, Cheese, Berry, Lemon Haze.
The judge continued: “Wedding Cake, AK47, Sour Diesel, Super Silver Haze, Amnesia Haze, Stardog, Forbidden Fruit and many other names.
“These seem to be on the face of it the particular strains you [Overholt] have been dealing in.”
Judge Levett said the wording of the charge presented by the Crown Prosecution Service meant he had “limited power” to send the defendant to prison, adding: “although you richly deserve it”.
Nicholas Fuchs, prosecuting, said police officers found Overholt “smoking a joint” when they initially attended his home in Colchester.
He described the 41-year-old’s behaviour as “vicious” and “uncooperative”, explaining his mother had to let the police inside the property.
Inside, officers found 0.3g of cannabis and the “burner” phone which had messages consistent with attempts to sell the drug to five people.
Jamie Sawyer, mitigating, said: “He explains the reason he was doing this was to fund his own habit and he was not the person holding the drugs as such limited amounts were found at his address.
“It is beyond any doubt at this time this defendant was a persistent cannabis user.”
Overholt must undertake 250 hours of unpaid work, 50 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and pay costs of £500.
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