Diazepam tablets
A 21-year-old man who ordered thousands of pounds of drugs from Pakistan has been sparred a jail sentence after he ‘turned his life around’ and dedicated his life to his studies, Fermanagh court has heard.
William Robert Alexander Miller, of Cherry Walk, Chanterhill, Enniskillen, was convicted of importing diazepam, attempted possession of a class C drug, attempted possession of a class C drug with intent to supply and attempting to import a controlled drug in January this year.
His sentencing was deferred by District Judge Nigel Broderick with a condition that he was not to re-offend within six months.
He was handed a four month prison sentence which was suspended for two years at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.
A prosecutor outlined to the court that on August 8, 2012, the UK Border Agency in England received a package from Pakistan which was found to contain 3,500 mg of diazepam, otherwise known as ‘blues’, which had a street value of £3,000.
The package was addressed to the defendant at a house in Chanterhill, Enniskillen.
Following Miller’s arrest it was discovered that the accused was bailed on a separate matter to another address which was 50 yards away from the house where the package was addressed to.
The court was told that Miller had access to this property as he still had a key from a previous tenancy.
Enquiries were made to the Western Union Transfer which established that five transactions had been made by the defendant to Pakistan which matched his name, address, date of birth and mobile phone number.
However, officers were not able to confirm what was purchased but that it was various amounts.
Over £1,000 was transferred across a six month period which dated back to December 2011.
On November 29, 2012, officers conducted a search of his home and found a number of items which his mother had packed and sent on to his bail address.
It contained £2,000 in cash, two scales, four mobile phones and two laptops which were believed to have been used to carry out the transactions.
Miller was arrested and taken to Enniskillen Police Station where he denied the allegations put to him, including ordering diazepam over the internet.
A defence solicitor told the court that Miller has not offended since his last appearance in court adding that his client has ‘learned his ways’.
“He has dedicated himself to college and got an outstanding achievement award at the South West College,” he said.
“He has addressed the issues covered in the pre-sentence report and has benefited from this hanging over his head.
“So I ask you to leave something hanging over his head. The report is testament to his character and he has mended his ways.”
Judge Broderick added: “There’s a positive report contained in the pre-sentence report and a lot was focussed on you turning your life around and focussing on your studies.
“The South West College gave you a glowing report and I believe your intentions have been genuine.
“Hopefully the good work you’re doing in college will continue and you will not be back before court.”
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