It all began when he was homeless at the age of 18 and sleeping on the streets of Hull when he was approached by drug dealers and offered cannabis
Bailey Clark appeared at Hull Crown Court(Image: Hull Live)
Violent drug dealers sadistically broke a man’s fingers – and made sinister threats that they would hurt his family – after things turned nasty because of a drug debt that he owed. Bailey Clark had previously been homeless and sleeping on the streets when he got involved in selling cocaine and ketamine to others, Hull Crown Court heard.
Clark, 21, of Newland Avenue, west Hull, admitted possessing 130g of cocaine and a quantity of ketamine with intent to supply on March 14. He also admitted possessing cannabis and two Pregabalin tablets.
Harry Crowson, prosecuting, said that Clark was arrested for something completely different, an altercation which might have amounted to an assault, but the prosecution did not proceed with that matter. When he was arrested, he was searched.
Clark was found to have a large pack with him that contained different drugs. They included cocaine and ketamine, in amounts consistent with drug dealing, but also small amounts of cannabis and Pregabalin. The whole pack weighed about 1kg, most of it ketamine.
Clark pleaded guilty on the basis that he had been homeless at the age of 18 and he was sleeping on the streets of Hull when he was approached by drug dealers and was offered cannabis. The drug dealers demanded that he deal drugs to pay off the debt that he owed them.
In the lead-up to being arrested, Clark had been assaulted, his fingers were broken and there were threats to hurt his family. When he was arrested, he was found with a big bag of drugs, the court was told.
Julia Baggs, mitigating, said that Clark was now living back with his family and he was working full-time. He had no previous convictions and he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity before Hull Crown Court.
Judge John Thackray KC told Clark that drug dealing caused misery and devastation in communities but “nevertheless” Clark got involved in this. “You were playing your role in the supply of drugs,” said Judge Thackray.
“You should have sought assistance and help.” Clark had, however, made substantial progress in his life since these offences, including getting a job and living with his family.
“I think you can be rehabilitated and I think your risk can be managed in the community,” said Judge Thackray. “I think you can be punished in the community.”
Clark was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and 200 hours’ unpaid work. He will have to pay a £187 victims’ surcharge. The drugs paraphernalia will be forfeited.
“If you commit any offences in the next two years, you will be brought back to court,” said Judge Thackray. “If you fail to do the 200 hours, the probation service will bring you back to court and the suspended sentence will be activated. Get the work done.” Clark was warned that he faced a prison term if he breached the suspended sentence.
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here .