Simon Skinner, 33, from Berkshire, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison after being found with cocaine, cannabis and £450 in cash.[1] The 33-year-old, of Gaywood Drive, Newbury, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.[1]
On August 4, Thames Valley Police officers on proactive patrol spotted a Ford Mondeo leaving the car park of The Swan pub.[1] Officers stopped the vehicle after it turned into Dorneywood Way, Newbury, where they detected a strong smell of cannabis.[1] An initial search found Skinner with £450 in cash and a mobile phone.[1] He then attempted to run away from officers but was quickly caught.[1] A subsequent search uncovered two bags of cocaine hidden inside one of his socks.[1] Skinner admitted possessing cannabis and handed officers a bag of the drug concealed in his waistband, and further cannabis was found inside the vehicle.[1]
Police later searched his home address, where they discovered approximately 330g of cocaine inside a safe under his bed.[1] Further quantities of cannabis, digital scales and mobile phones were also recovered.[1] The keys to the safe were found in Skinner’s possession when he was arrested.[1] Investigating officer PC Simon Abbott said Skinner was actively involved in supplying illegal drugs in the Newbury area.[1]
Skinner was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on October 26.[1] He was also ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.[1] The court authorised the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs, phones and other items seized, as well as the forfeiture of the £450 in cash.[1]
