A MAN was found with a telescopic baton and a ‘substantial amount’ of Class A drugs less than two months after being spared jail for attacking his mother.

Connor Jones, 25, blamed his offending on the drug dealers who “exploited” and “threatened” him.

The defendant had appeared in court in October last year to be sentenced for charges of assault and wounding.

The charges related to an incident which occurred while he lived in Chester, where he injured his mother and her partner with a Stanley knife.

Jones was handed a 14-month suspended prison sentence, and subsequently moved to Bournemouth.

On December 16, Jones was the passenger in a car pulled over by police in Cambridge Road, Bournemouth. 

The car was suspected to be involved in drug dealing offences, and was being driven by an ‘older lady’.

The defendant admitted having cannabis in the vehicle, and when searched, was found to be in possession of a telescopic baton.

He was then taken to custody where he told police he also had Class A drugs on him.

Jones was charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, and possession of a controlled drug of Class B.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, March 12.

Prosecutor Tom Wilkins noted a photograph submitted in evidence showed a “substantial quantity” of wraps, containing cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

Information on specific quantities or street value was not made available, which Judge Susan Evans KC said was a “failing” by prosecution.

Judge Evans KC concluded, “On any view, looking at that photograph, that was a significant amount divided into street deals.”

The court then heard how Jones had pleaded guilty to the charges against him on the basis he was coerced.

Mitigating, Ella Crine said her client had been “exploited” by drug dealers he was in debt with.

She added: “In my submission, he was engaged in this activity by coercion or pressure.

“He was very low down in the chain, and he was the person taking the risk by having the drugs on his person.

“He is remorseful, he understands he has put himself in a terrible position and it can’t go on.”

Ms Crine also said her client was vulnerable and had suffered with mental health problems.

Jones was jailed for 36 months.