Drug user blows ‘golden opportunity’ to avoid prison after being caught dealing again

A “chronic” drug addict threw away a “golden opportunity” to avoid prison by going back to dealing cocaine on the streets – even though he had been caught doing exactly the same thing last year.

John Langan was spotted by police lurking around near an alleyway and they soon realised that he was involved in drug dealing, Hull Crown Court heard.

Langan, 25, of Fitzroy Street, off Beverley Road, Hull, but recently in custody on remand, admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply on April 15.

Mollie Briggs, prosecuting, said that police on patrol in Beverley Road spotted two drug users in Fitzroy Street waiting at the end of an alleyway as though they wanted to “score drugs”. Two other men, including Langan, were seen and they were followed to a house in Fitzroy Street.

Other police were called in. The front door of the house was open and Langan was arrested. Police found 20 wraps of cocaine and £140 cash.

Langan had convictions including theft in April 2014, possessing an offensive weapon in November 2021 and possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply and possessing cannabis in December 2023. He had been given a two-year suspended prison sentence for the latest drugs offences.

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Hannah Turner, mitigating, said that Langan had shown a good response to the supervision imposed as part of the suspended sentence and he had completed the requirements of the order. “He is a chronic drug user,” said Miss Turner.

“He was using crack cocaine at the time. He became involved in all of this to fund his own habit. He has made a positive change since his last time in court. He wants to receive help.”

Judge John Thackray KC told Langan: “You were given a golden opportunity and you have committed the same offence. I am not satisfied that you can be rehabilitated in the community. Ultimately, only appropriate punishment can be achieved by way of an immediate custodial sentence.”

Langan was jailed for two years. The £140 cash seized will be forfeited and given to the St Paul’s boxing club charity, Hull.