Drug dealer arrested after he was shot in chest in incident in Leeds

A DRUG dealer was arrested after he was shot by a rival and incriminating text messages were found on his mobile phone.
Gang jailed after conning elderly peopleGang jailed after conning elderly people
Gang jailed after conning elderly people

A court heard Jordan Stapleton received life threatening injuries as a result of gunshot wounds to his chest during an incident in Leeds.

Leeds Crown Court heard police began an investigation into the shooting while Stapleton was in hospital. A mobile phone was recovered which showed Stapleton, 26, had sent out 93 “advertisements” to people via text message offering to supplying cocaine.

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Mark McKone, prosecuting, said the messages offered a free samples, claiming that the class A drug was of good quality.

Stapleton, formerly of Potternewton Lane, was arrested and initially denied sending the messages, claiming other people had been using the phone.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in making an offer to supply class A drugs.

Adrian Pollard, mitigating, said Stapleton had suffered life-changing injuries in the shooting. Mr Pollard said that Stapleton was low down in the supply chain. Mr Pollard said Stapleton had also been attacked in custody. The lawyer urged judge Robin Mairs to consider imposing a community punishment so his client could move away from Leeds and begin a new life. Mr Pollard added: “He is hopeful that he can break away from influences in this area.”

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Stapleton was given a two year prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was made the subject of a curfew for five months.

The judge said: “I do not consider the fact that you were shot to be mitigation. Those who involve themselves with drugs run those risks. However, it does demonstrate your position in the chain of command and you will be left with injuries for a considerable period of your life time.”

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