Man faces prison for drug dealing (From Swindon Advertiser)

Man faces prison for drug dealing

2:50pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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A MAN has been warned he faces a jail term after admitting being involved in the commercial supply of cocaine.

Marc Cowen had been due to face trial by jury accused of possessing the class A drug with intent to supply.

But before a jury could be sworn in at Swindon Crown Court on the first day, the 24-year-old changed plea to admit what he had done.

Cowen, of Cunningham Road, Pinehurst, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply on Friday, July 17 last year.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting, told the court that he had about £250 worth of the drug along with a set of scales.

She said officers also found what she called a ‘tick list’ which is what dealers users to keep account of who owes them what for drugs.

However she said it had been examined by a handwriting expert who said it was probably not written by Cowen.

Miss Squire added that having looked at it herself it was clear that more than one person had written the list.

Though the prosecution were ‘sceptical’ about the basis on which he pleaded guilty, she said a trial of issue was not though necessary.

She said the important thing was ‘the acceptance of the commercial dealing of cocaine’.

Rob Ross, defending, said “The basis of plea has been prepared after a good deal of work. It does fit with the evidence at hand.”

He added “Anyone who is involved within the supply chain of cocaine is at risk of custody.”

Judge Charles Wade agreed there was no need for a trial of issue to further examine the extent of his criminality and adjourned the case for sentence on Wednesday, April 14.

He asked for the probation service to compile a pre-sentence report and released him on bail.

The judge told Cowen: “In view of your change of plea, your case is going to be adjourned for sentence.

“I will grant you bail, but understand that although all options are open for sentence you are facing a sentence of imprisonment. You understand that, I am sure.”