Drug-addicted couple jailed for over five years for drug dealing and weapon possession

Mark Smith (40) and Lynsey Cleary (35) were before Sheffield Crown Court on Monday after admitting possessing drugs with intent to supply and possessing weapons.

Mr Ian West, prosecuting, said on July 14, 2020 police had executed a warrant at a property in Rotherham and found Smith and Cleary, both of Duke Street, Dinnington, on the premises.

Mr West said that drugs, money, a digital scale, mobile phones and a taser had been found.

He said: “The total of heroin found was seven grammes, with a street value of £350.”

Mr West added cocaine and spice had also been found at the property with street value of just shy of £1,000, as well as £379.11 in cash.

He said: “Further investigation made it clear that the couple had been selling and supplying all three drugs.”

Cleary and Smith made no comment when interviewed, Mr West said.

Cleary had nine previous convictions for 12 offences while Smith had 34 convictions for 76 offences, including offences related to the possession of heroin, cocaine and cannabis.

Mr Kevin Jones, mitigating, said: “Both have a long-standing drug addiction — more than 20 years — this is how they got involved in this.

“They were low-level, disorganised, and selling drugs in part to support their drug habit and in part to make money for somebody else.”

Mr Jones said the couple hoped to “resume their relationship” when released.

He said: “She (Cleary) is tired of the life she has been living.

“Their health has significantly improved (in prison).

“They hope to maintain that upon release.”

Judge Rachael Harrison said: “You both know the damage Class A drugs do to people’s lives.”

Cleary was jailed for a total of 31 months for possession of heroin with intent to supply, with a concurrent sentence of the same length for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

She was also given concurrent sentences of one month for possession of cannabis and six months for possession of a prohibited weapon — the taser, or stun gun.

Smith was jailed for a total of 33 months for possession of heroin with intent to supply, with concurrent sentences of 33 months for possession of cocaine with intent to supply, one month for possession of cannabis and six months for possession of a prohibited weapon — in this case, pepper spray.