Leeds Festival drug dealer 'very fortunate' to avoid jail as judge offers him 'one chance'
A drug dealer at Leeds Festival has avoided jail after the judge gave him “one chance” to right his wrongs.
Jude Simon Batiste told dealer John Hunt, 21, that he has never not jailed a dealer at Leeds Festival but was prepared to offer him “one chance and one chance only” as a result of his age and previously clean record.
Prosecutor Ms Gatland, told Leeds Crown Court how the then 19-year-old was caught with over £400 worth of MDMA and ketamine with intent to supply after offering some to two undercover security guards at the Bramham Park site during the 2024 festival. Despite first “appearing panicked,” the teen was “polite” to security and led them to the additional supply in his tent and car.
Following his arrest, police discovered text messages that revealed Hunt, who has a history of personal drug use, had arranged to purchase a bulk supply from his dealer, both for personal use at the festival and to sell for £10 a pill.
The court heard how Hunt, who also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and cocaine for his own personal use, had become addicted to drugs after suffering a head injury which had ended his hopes of playing rugby.
In mitigation, Mr Holding told the court how his client, who is finishing his studies at a prestigious drama school in London, had been “honest and frank” about his drug use and was making good progress to tackle his addiction.
He added that Hunt had shown genuine remorse for the “stupidest decision of his life,” and admitted his actions were “selfish” and put other festival goers at risk. The 22-year-old has since raised over £2,000 for a hospice, regularly attends AA meetings and had “taken clear steps to correct his behaviour.”
A probation report ruled that this was an “isolated incident,” and that thanks to the support of his family he offered a “low risk of reoffending.” He splits his time between his student accommodation in London and the family home in Wolverhampton.
Passing sentence, Judge Batiste told Hunt that many children and young people attend Leeds Festival as a “right of passage,” where they are “preyed on by drug dealers due to their vulnerability of being away from home for the first time” and likelihood they might “do something stupid.”
Accepting Hunt’s remorse and good character, he gave him a two-year and six month sentence, suspended for two years, with 15 activity rehabilitation days and 200 hours of unpaid work to complete as part of his probation.
“You are getting one chance and one chance only, or you will be going to prison - no ifs, no buts. You have been very fortunate today young man,” Judge Batiste added.