'I'll be homeless' - jailed drug dealer's message to judge

Andrew Harewood, 38, appeared for sentence at Norwich Crown Court having admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis in Norwich and obstructing a police officer.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

As he was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment by Judge Katharine Moore, Harewood shouted out "prison is not going to help me is it? It's going to make it worse".

Judge Katharine Moore (Image: Newsquest)

Before he was led away, Harewood added: "I'll be homeless, thanks a lot".

Jailing Harewood on Monday (July 31), Judge Moore said dealing drugs was "always very serious" adding it was all the more so "if police are obstructed".

The court had heard Harewood, of Mousehold Street, Norwich, had been stopped by officers for a drugs search outside the YMCA in Norwich.

Andrew Harewood (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Giles Fleming, prosecuting, said after being stopped on November 19 2021 Harewood removed a large bag of cannabis "from his underwear" and threw it to another male who "ran off with it".

He said Harewood told the other man to "run, run" and "go stash it somewhere".

A small bag of cannabis fell out of the larger bag and was seized by police.

The larger bag was never recovered.

Harewood was also found to have £660 in cash following a search of his address.

Also found at the address of the defendant, who was on benefits at the time, were eight pairs of trainers thought to be worth between £75 and £150.

Gavin Cowe, mitigating, said Harewood was a "long-term cannabis user" whose drug use was linked to his mental health issues.

Mr Cowe said Harewood found himself in the later part of 2021 in a situation where he was "asked to help out" which he did so to support his own cannabis use.