Convicted Swindon drug dealer awaits sentencing

Sam Hassan, 22, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin (stock picture) <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
Sam Hassan, 22, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin (stock picture) (Image: Getty Images)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A convicted drug-dealer has been remanded in custody after failing to engage with the court whilst on bail.

Sam Hassan, 22, of Ash Grove, Swindon, appeared in Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, March 12, awaiting sentencing for a number of drug convictions.

Hassan had previously pleaded guilty to the charges of possessing cocaine and heroin with the intent to supply the Class A drugs.

The drugs had been found in his possession in his car by police officers, who discovered cocaine and heroin in "supply quantities" as well as a mobile phone identifiable as being commonly used by drug dealers.

The court heard how since his conviction, Hassan had not adequately engaged with his lawyers or the probation service in order to provide a basis of plea or a pre-sentence report.

Read More: Arrest warrant for man who admits to Swindon Wetherspoons fire threat

Mr Baker, defending, told the court that Hassan had proved to be unreachable due to issues contacting him via mobile phone numbers that were no longer in use.

Mr Baker asked Judge Jason Taylor KC to not proceed with passing sentence as a result, but accepted that Hassan had not done everything he could to ensure the report had been finalised prior to sentencing.

Judge Taylor agreed to postpone sentencing given Hassan's age and the difficulties faced in contacting him.

However, he also made the decision to remand Hassan in custody, telling him he had "brought it upon himself".

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos