A DRUG dealer described as one of the “biggest and nastiest” in the Grove and Wantage area has been jailed for more than six years.

Carl Skelton, of Tubbs Close, Grove, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday after police found cocaine worth as much as £10,000 hidden in his girlfriend’s house.

Following a police raid on May 29, the 25-year-old admitted possessing the Class A drug with intent to supply, as well as possessing a further 20g of cocaine found at his home.

Cathy Olliver, prosecuting, said Skelton’s 16-year-old girlfriend Tori Hutt helped him wrap the drugs, and police found the couple’s homemade marriage certificate – which listed his occupation as drug dealer.

Judge Mary Jane Mowat said she had received a community impact statement about Skelton from a police officer who regarded him as one of the “biggest and nastiest” dealers of cocaine, cannabis and ketamine in the area.

She added that she knew from sentencing him for dealing Class B drugs last year there was also a pattern of him using young people to help him sell drugs.

Lucy Tapper, defending, said her client had not enjoyed the sort of expensive or enjoyable lifestyle associated with drug dealers and was far from being at the top of the supply chain.

Skelton sobbed and shook in the dock as the barrister spoke about his childhood in care and problems growing up.

She told Judge Mowat: “He was trying get himself out of the situation he was in. That was why there was a large quantity of drugs found, because he was trying to stop dealing it.

“He was spending more and more time with family and friends and was trying to carve out for himself a normal life, having not had a very normal start for himself.”

Judge Mowat told Skelton she had gone “out on a limb” and given him a two-year suspended sentence last year after hearing from a woman who said she wanted to take him in.

She added that after reading many positive things about him: “It is a shame you have not put your abilities and skills to good use.”

Skelton was sentenced to six years and eight months. He will also have to pay a £120 victims’ surcharge.



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