The cocaine dealer ‘succumbed to old habits’ but was caught when officers stopped his Volkswagen Golf
Anthony Miello(Image: Merseyside Police)
A cocaine dealer was caught red handed when police stopped his car and looked down his trousers. Anthony Miello “succumbed to old habits” and became embroiled in a “classic street dealing operation” after losing his job and his girlfriend.
Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday afternoon, Thursday, that the 28-year-old was spotted by officers driving his Volkswagen Golf on Bangor Street in Vauxhall on November 29 last year. He was then approached and spoken to by another man on an e-bike, who subsequently rode away again.
Iain Criddle, prosecuting, described how PCs stopped and searched Miello, of Eldonian Way, as a result and recovered 23 wraps of cocaine and £80 of cash “from his pants”. His mobile phone was also seized, although Miello refused to give the passcode and remained silent under interview.
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He was previously jailed for two years in January 2016 for possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to supply. Olivia Belle, defending, told the court: “He succumbed to the pressure of old habits following the loss of his employment and the breakdown of his relationship of 12 years, which also resulted in the loss of his accommodation. These events led to his mental health declining. He had lost all hope.
“He is capable of leading a law abiding lifestyle. It is very unfortunate that he appears back before the courts after not appearing for a significant length of time.
“He intends to use his time to improve his prospects of employment on release. He has grappled with substance misuse for many years. His use of cocaine and cannabis has been problematic.
“He attributes the deterioration in his mental health, in part, to his drug misuse. He has made significant efforts to reduce his drug consumption in recent months.”
Miello admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Wearing a grey tracksuit in the dock and carrying two yellow JD Sports drawstring bags, he was jailed for 32 months.
Sentencing, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said: “You accept that you were involved in the street dealing of cocaine. You were doing that in order to raise funds because you out of employment at the time and because you yourself were taking drugs.
“You have committed such an offence in the past. Having completed that sentence, you were released and gained employment and appeared to be doing well but then again resorted to committing this type of offence.”