A FLINTSHIRE drug dealer who turned to selling cannabis after losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic has avoided jail.

Richard Samuels-McKaye, 22, of Bryn Eglwys, Mold, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, March 17.

He had previously been convicted of possession with intent to supply cannabis at Mold Magistrates court on February 21.

Andrew Green, prosecuting, told the court that, in July 2020, police officers raided Samuels-McKaye's home, where his partner and two children were also present.

The defendant immediately admitted to having been selling cannabis because 'he had lost his job due to Covid'.

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During their search of the property, officers found bags of cannabis in the hallway as well as in various other parts of the house.

£750 in cash was discovered, as well as a significant amount of cannabis worth an estimated street value of between £2,500 and £3,000.

Also found at the property was 350ml of cannabis oil, believed to be worth £5,250.

Officers also recovered label advertising edibles, tick lists and scales and texts found on a mobile phone at the property made it clear that the supply of drugs had taken place.

The court heard how Samuels-McKaye had dealt 'cannabis cakes' through Snapchat and had admitted to being a 'user himself' of the drug.

Oliver King defending said the dealing 'came about' because Samuels-McKaye lost his job and 'wanted to support his family'.

He added: "It was a way of paying bills for him at that time. There is no evidence which shows that he was enjoying a liavish lifestyle, going on holidays or buying fancy cars. The money went into the pot for his family.

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"Prior to losing his job, he had always worked. He has been attending interviews non-stop and has even now been offered a job.

"In the two years since the offence took place, he has completely turned his life aorund."

In his closing remarks, Judge Rhys Rowlands said Samuels-McKaye had shown 'professsionalism and sophistication beyond what is normally seen among dealers locally' by using the Snapchat app.

He sentenced him to 14 months in prison, suspended for 18 months and handed him a £500 fine.