Leeds father and son jailed for drug dealing

Michael and Jonathan Reed were arrested after police searched their home in the Halton Moor area of the city as part of a police operation.

Leeds Crown Court heard officers followed a man as he drove from London to the Reeds’ home on Halton Moor Road.

The court heard Jonathan supplied the man with £3,750 worth of a Class B drug commonly known as MDEA.

The drug is used recreationally in a similar manner to ecstasy but the effects are milder and shorter lasting.

Officers intercepted the vehicle as it headed back to London and the drug, along with a large amount of cash, was found hidden in the lining of the boot.

The Reeds’ home was then searched and officers found a bag containing £5,700 worth of cannabis.

Both men initially denied any wrongdoing. Michael told police that he had found the bag of cannabis in some woods.

Jonathan pleaded guilty to supplying MDEA and Michael pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

A probation officer told the court Michael had agreed to sell cannabis as he was user of the drug and had built up a debt with his dealer.

The court heard he had been suffering from depression and anxiety since the death of his brother in 2013.

Ian Cook, mitigating, said Jonthan was a qualified mechanic with a good employment record.

Mr Cook said Jonathan had made a “grave error of judgement” in agreeing to supply the MDEA.

The lawyer said Jonathan had a job offer open to him if he was not sent immediately to custody.

Both men were jailed for 10 months.

Judge Tom Bayliss, QC, described Michael’s account of finding the cannabis in woodland as a “cock and bull story”.

He told the men: “You were doing this for financial gain. You are normally responsible members of the community. It is clear from your references that you are hard working men.

“but there has to be a prison sentence. This is a serious matter.”