Coke dealer escapes jail (From Wiltshire Times)

Coke dealer escapes jail

4:03pm Friday 16th February 2007 in Corsham By Craig Evry

COCAINE dealer Alexander Minaides has walked free from court after a judge heard how he had turned his life around.

The 21-year-old, of Kings Avenue, Corsham, was caught with hundreds of pounds worth of the class A drug as well as electronic scales, glucose powder to mix with it and self seal bags.

After hearing how Minaides, who has a history of drugs offences, had completely changed his ways a judge at Swindon Crown Court decided not to pass a jail term on Friday.

But Recorder Timothy Mousley did warn him that should he fail on the order he could expect a four-year jail term.

Chris Smyth, prosecuting, said Minaides was caught with the drugs, weighing 13.7 grams, in January last year.

He said officers were carrying out an observation on an area off Langley Park in Chippenham when they saw three men approaching a bin.

While two of the men stopped short Minaides went up and leaned behind to retrieve a package which he put in his pocket.

As officers moved in he ran off and during the chase threw the bag away in a garden before being arrested after running into a nearby pub.

The detective retraced his steps and found the bag found to contain a white powder that later tested as cocaine and Minaides had £1,685 in his pocket.

Mr Smyth said police went to his home where they found two sets of scales, glucose powder which is used for mixing with the drugs and more bags.

He said the drugs found on the defendant would have a street value of between £375 and £600.

When questioned Minaides denied any wrongdoing.

Minaides originally pleaded not guilty to possessing drugs with intent to supply but latter changed his plea to guilty.

The court was told he had a history of offending.

Paul Grumbar, defending, said since the offence Minaides had undergone a 'miraculous' change in his lifestyle.

He has been reconciled with his family, settled down with a new girlfriend, got a job and stopped taking drugs.

If he were jailed, Mr Grumbar said Minaides associating with other users in prison could set back his rehabilitation and return him to addiction.

Passing sentence the judge said the matters were 'so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified'.

But he said bearing in mind Minaides' progress and vulnerability should he be jailed he would pass a community order instead.

He told him to complete 200 hours of community service and a one-year probation order.