A "one man band" drug dealer has been fined after 192 tablets were discovered in the bedroom of his North East home. Police raided Ross Hamilton's Gateshead address and found Etizolam, Bromazolam and Zopiclone, which are all class C drugs.
A court heard that the 33-year-old's mobile was also seized and messages were identified that showed he had been selling the tablets to others. Hamilton, of Greenrig, in Winlaton, Gateshead, has now been fined £200 after he pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of a class C drug with intent to supply.
Ruth Forster, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said police executed a search warrant at Hamilton's home on October 16 2023. Mrs Forster added: "In doing so, the officers found a number of tablets. The tablets were found in the defendant's bedroom and have been identified by forensics.
"The defendant also had his mobile seized and access was gained to it. The contents were highly suggestive of drug dealing. It's low-level supply and we're not suggesting it was highly sophisticated. It was a one man band enterprise."
The court heard that Hamilton had offences on his record but had stayed out of trouble since 2014. Mark Styles, defending, said Hamilton himself had a drug addiction at the time and used to bulk buy the tablets before selling some of them on.
Mr Styles added: "This is extremely out-of-character and it happened two years ago. He has stayed out of trouble since his arrest. He has now addressed his drug addiction and it has been dealt with." Mr Styles said Hamilton suffered with ADHD and autism.
As well as the fine, Hamilton must pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The drugs will also be destroyed.