A 60-YEAR-OLD drug dealer from Newport was twice caught with large amounts of crystal meth as he supplied a “range” of drugs in order to fund his own addiction.
Mark Donovan appeared at Cardiff Crown Court charged with a series of drug offences across a 12-month period.
Donovan was first stopped by police on High Cross Road in Newport on April 21 last year, prosecutor Emily Jermin told the court.
Officers seized methamphetamine from the defendant, as well as his phone. His house was also searched, and in total police seized 60.379 grams of crystal meth – valued at up to £4,280.
Donovan was released under investigation, however on March 10 this year he was stopped by police on Western Avenue in Cardiff.
The officers seized 23.9 grams of crystal meth from him – worth £1,680.
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Gwent Police executed a search warrant at Donovan’s home in Rogerstone on April 21 this year.
Officers seized a “range” of drugs, as well as drug paraphernalia, cash and mobile phones.
An analysis of his phone revealed messages showing Donovan’s involvement in supplying crystal meth, MDMA, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and mephedrone (m-cat).
Ms Jermin said a drug expert estimated the total value of the drugs referenced in the messages could be more than £5,600 – although they noted it was “highly likely” other deals took place.
Donovan pleaded guilty to charges of being concerned in offering to supply methylamphetamine and GHB, being concerned in the supply of ecstasy, two offences of possession with intent to supply methylamphetamine, being concerned in the supply of m-cat, and possession of both m-cat and cannabis.
The court heard that Donovan, of Squires Close in Rogerstone, had three previous convictions.
“There’s no doubt that Mr Donovan has his own significant addiction problems,” said Gareth Williams, in mitigation.
“He has made significant strides in relation to that.”
Mr Williams said Donovan was engaging with the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS) to help address his substance issues.
He said the defendant had stayed out of trouble since 1987, but since having to give up work, he had been “living an isolated lifestyle” and was “clearly not a man in good health”.
“For the vast majority of your adult life, you have stayed out of trouble,” said Recorder Caroline Rees KC, sentencing Donovan.
“You well know, as someone who is addicted to drugs yourself, the damage which dealing drugs does to society.
“I accept that you are somebody who supplied in order to fund your considerable habit.”
Recorder Rees sentenced Donovan to three years, suspended for three years, and ordered him to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Ms Jermin confirmed an application would be made under the Proceeds of Crime Act to attempt to recover any profits Donovan made from his offending, and a hearing was scheduled for February 8, 2027.
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