He knew that he had been ‘stupid’
A young driver who was caught speeding while under the influence of drugs landed himself in even bigger trouble when police discovered that he was secretly involved in dealing cocaine. Elliot Iggleden knew that he had been “stupid” but, at the time, he was “desperate” to find a way to pay for his own drugs.
Stashes of cocaine were later found during a search of his home as well as phone messages linked to drug dealing, Hull Crown Court heard. Iggleden, 21, of Hainsworth Park, off Hall Road, Hull, admitted being concerned in supplying cocaine between September 3 and 16, 2023.
James O’Connor, prosecuting, said that police carrying out speed checks stopped a white VW Golf car being driven by Iggleden after suspecting that he was under the influence of drugs. Cash and some small bags of white powder were found. Iggleden provided a positive roadside test for drugs.
He had already been fined £200 by Hull magistrates in May last year as well as being banned from driving for one year and ordered to pay £85 costs. He admitted driving at 66mph in a 40mph limit in Preston, near Hull, and driving while over the limit for cocaine.
The day after he was stopped, his home was searched and two bags of white powder were found in a bedroom. There was a notebook with personal details of people likely to be involved in drugs as well as some cash.
The weight of the cocaine found was under 2g, with a street value of £130. A mobile phone had messages relating to organised street dealing –on a single occasion on September 3, 2023 – and weighing drugs himself.
During police interview, Iggleden made no comment to questions. He had no previous convictions for drugs.
Molly Minter, mitigating, said that Iggleden pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He was at college studying joinery and he hoped to find work if he passed his examinations.
“The reason that he was selling drugs in 2023 was that he was trying to pay for his own drugs,” said Miss Minter. “He was only involved as far as he had to be to pay for his own habit.
“There was some financial advantage. It was just to meet the defendant’s own habits. This was not a sophisticated venture by this defendant.
“He knows that he was stupid. He was desperate. He should have asked for help. Iggleden asked for help from the police when they arrested him.” He was directed to a drugs agency and received help for 10 months but there was no further need after that.
Iggleden was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and 250 hours’ unpaid work. The £40 cash seized will be forfeited and given to the police. The amount of more cash found was not specified.