Totton drug dealer avoids prison after twice failing probation drug test

A DRUG-DEALER from Totton was warned he will go to jail if he breaches a rehabilitation requirement after already failing two probation drug tests.

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court, Christopher Lambert (31), of High Street, was sentenced to 20 months in jail, suspended for two years, for being concerned in the supply of cocaine in 2020.

He was also given a concurrent nine-month jail term, suspended for two years, for being concerned in the supply of cannabis in 2020 and was ordered to complete a 20-day drug rehabilitation programme.

Prosecutor Anne-Marie Critchley told the court Lambert had a "significant role" in holding cannabis for supply to others but had a "lesser role" in the supply of cocaine.

Mitigating, Keely Harvey said Lambert was found by the police in possession of 44 individual bags of green herbal cannabis in a Co-op bag when his property was searched in 2020.

She also said residues of "white powder" were found by officers in another carrier bag as well as £395 in cash.

Miss Harvey said that since her client admitted the charges he has been complying with probation officers by attending regular drug screenings and has been taking medication to treat ADHD.

The court heard Lambert has failed two of his drug tests, however, once for cocaine and once for cannabis.

Miss Harvey said: "He admits he's had a couple of slips.

"He had one slip with cocaine, but when he tested positive for that there was no cannabis in his system, which was the main problem he had.

"He's changed his friendship group and now spends more time with his partner and members of his family, who are all a far better influence on him. Each day he's getting better."

Judge Peter Henry noted that Lambert has not been abusive or threatening towards probation officers, adding that his "behaviour has been getting better".

Handing down sentence and the rehabilitation requirement, Judge Henry told Lambert: "When the court deferred your sentencing, you were going to have to demonstrate that you can behave yourself.

"I will make it absolutely clear so you understand: drug-dealers usually go straight to prison.

"You've been given a lot of chances in the past and there's only so far you can claim your mental health as an excuse.

"You've been given a big chance here – think about what's going to happen to you if you don't take it."