Drug dealer’s reward for turning himself in

A drug dealer who turned himself in had his jail term almost halved by top judges who rewarded him for his “remarkable” success and attempts to kick his habit.

Nigel Colin Davenport invited police to his Failsworth house, handed them an envelope full of cocaine and said he had been selling drugs for two years, London’s Appeal Court heard.

The 51-year-old, of Hibbert Crescent, was jailed for 21 months at Manchester Crown Court in October, last year, after he admitted supplying the Class A drug.

But his sentence was cut to 12 months by senior judges on Friday, who said his remarkable success in getting off drugs should be encouraged.

The court heard how Davenport told officers he had been selling drugs to other addicts and keeping some for his own use while making £100-a-week profit.

His barrister, Jaime Hamilton, said his actions were inspired by a desire to rid himself of his addiction and he needed support to continue his success and stay off drugs.

The court also heard how he had given up some of his time while on bail to help other drug addicts kick their dependencies.

Mr Hamilton argued he could have been given a community punishment, adding: “He has proved he is someone who is capable of living a life free of drugs.”

Lord Justice Richards, sitting with Mr Justice Spencer and Sir Christopher Holland, said the original sentence “could not be criticised,” based on the information before the crown court judge at the time.

Allowing the appeal, the judge said there was new information from the prison service, which said Davenport was very polite, caused no problems and had made extremely constructive use of his time.

Lord Justice Richards added: “In our view, the remarkable steps taken by the appellant in this case are steps that should be marked and encouraged by the court.”