A since-convicted drug dealer told the district judge that the £930 cash found on him by police was to buy a new car.

Dekwon Reid, 26, was stopped driving a hired silver Toyota Corolla in Cowley last April.

When they pulled him over, officers discovered three wraps of heroin and cocaine in the centre console of the car together with £70. There was a further £110 in his wallet, while a wad of £750 in his pocket was found when handcuffed Reid kept reaching for his trousers.

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The former Barton man, who celebrated his 25th birthday four days before he was stopped by the police, claimed that the money had been given to him by his mum, uncles and a family friend.

Reid, who is currently serving a 30 month jail sentence for dealing drugs in 2019 and 2021, said he planned to use the cash to buy a Ford Fiesta ‘run-around’ car.

He claimed to have been on his way to the bank, so he could deposit the cash and pay for the vehicle by money transfer, when he was arrested.

The defendant, formerly of Cranley Road, Oxford, denied possession of criminal property – the cash. But he had already pleaded guilty to personal possession of the class A drugs when his case came before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for trial.

Asked by his solicitor what answer he had to the accusation the cash was the proceeds of or for use in a crime, he replied: “I didn’t think it was a crime. I just received it in an honest way. Family – relatives – who were very active in my life just wanted to give me a helping hand.”

Reid told prosecutor Gabriele Watts that he had been in touch with the seller of the car ‘throughout the day’. He planned to buy the vehicle on the day he was stopped.

The defendant, who had done agency ‘waitering’ work, said he had other money saved up in addition to the cash found in the car.

He was accused of not telling police during his interview that the money was to buy a car, although Reid pointed out he had told one of the officers who arrested him at the scene. The interview also concerned allegations – not subsequently prosecuted – that he was dealing drugs.

District Judge Kamlesh Rana found Reid guilty of possession of criminal property. He was given 28 days’ imprisonment. The sentence will be served at the same time as the 30 month jail term imposed at Oxford Crown Court last December.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward