Wrexham man jailed for drugs offence and witness intimidation

Anthony Hope, of Wynn Avenue in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Thursday.

The 28-year-old had previously been convicted of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and witness intimidation.

Anna Pope, prosecuting, told the court police attended the defendant's home to execute a search warrant last year.

Inside they found snap bags, scales and two bags of cocaine with a total street value of between £2,660 and £3,740.

Hope wasn't home at the time, but was arrested when he returned.

He made no comment when interviewed and initially denied the offence, with a trial set for April this year.

While on Crown Court bail he went on a night out with his girlfriend in Wrexham in January.

Mold Crown Court (Image: Staff)

Hope's girlfriend got into an altercation with a woman named Alex Ridings-Williams after accusing her of sleeping with the defendant.

She was arrested and charged with assault.

But before she appeared in court - where she eventually admitted the offence - Hope spotted the victim out in Wrexham the following month.

He approached her outside a bar and became verbally abusive towards her, calling her a "grass" and a "tramp."

He told her he'd find out where she lived and that she would "get what was coming to her."

When the police arrived on the scene, they saw Hope was drunk and shouting in the street, telling the victim she had to "watch herself."

READ MORE: Wrexham man, 20, shared "homicidal" stabbing plans with probation officers

Ms Pope told the court Hope had previous offences for having offensive weapons in public - namely a crowbar and a sock containing batteries.

Dafydd Roberts, defending, told the court: "Mr Hope is under no illusions about his position.

"I know Your Honour will take into account the unique circumstances of this case; his health problems."

Judge Niclas Parry responded: "I'll save his life by sending him to prison, won't I?

Anthony Hope. Image: North Wales Police

"The medical [reports] almost plead with anyone to stop him from taking cocaine and drinking.

"He tells the probation service 'I'm going to die anyway, so I might as well take them.'

"He needs to stop."

Mr Roberts continued: "He has a life expectancy of two years or less if things don't change."

He added his client is "lightly convicted" and that his "addiction to cocaine" needs to be addressed.

Judge Parry told Hope: "You're extremely ill.

"Any sentence would be difficult for you.

"The risk is greater because you continue to consume alcohol and cocaine."

The Judge handed down 12 months in jail for the drugs offence (far lower than the starting point of four-and-a-half years) and a consecutive three months for witness intimidation, making a total of 15 months.

He said it was hoped the sentence would "extend" Hope's life, adding: "It has to be custody, it's too serious [to suspend.]

"But I've taken that exceptional course because of your health."

The Judge also imposed a lifelong restraining order preventing the defendant from contacting Alex Ridings-Williams, directly or otherwise.

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