A retired lorry driver was arrested after setting up business delivering cannabis on the streets of Leeds.
Solomon Davis, 70, was caught red handed carrying out the illegal enterprise with 22-year-old Nathan Roberts when his Ford Focus was stopped on Linden Road, Beeston.
Davis’s lawyer described how he got into selling the drug as part of a “Christian act” to help Roberts’s mother out of financial trouble after she became ill.
Leeds Crown Court heard Davis had worked as a HGV driver for 40 years and had enjoyed the disciplines of the job until he was made redundant four years ago.
On October 1 last year the pair were followed by officers after intelligence that Davis’s car had been involved in drugs supply.
Roberts was found in possession of five bags of cannabis and 13 more bags were discovered behind an air vent. The total street value was £140.
Davis, of Garnet Road, Beeston, admitted to his involvement and pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug with intent to supply. He told officers it was his role to drive Roberts around to deliver the drug. Davis said he knew what he was doing was illegal but said he didn’t have a problem with it. Roberts, of Noster View, Beeston, said his role was to get the drugs in order to sell on.
Sajid Majid, for Roberts, said it was accepted that his client played a more significant role. Mr Majid said Roberts was a heavy user of cannabis and was under pressure due to family problems which included his mother being diagnosed with cancer.
Keith Whitehead, for Davis, said his client had been a close friend and neighbour of Roberts’s mother. He had helped the family move by paying a bond.
Mr Whitehead added: “It is this Christian act that brought him to the commission of these offences.” The lawyer said Davis became involved after being approached by Roberts and agreed to become involved. Roberts was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work. Davis was given a six-month prison sentence and made the subject of a curfew for three months.