Police found drug addict with cocaine after exchange in Norfolk park

Joao Fernandes, 20, had been seen by police officers in a park, near St Nicholas car park in Great Yarmouth "interacting with a group of known class A drug users".

The park, near St Nicholas car park, Great Yarmouth (Image: James Weeds, Newsquest)Norwich Crown Court heard the drug users had been waiting for Fernandes who was stopped by police in Albert Square after leaving the park.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Danielle O'Donovan, prosecuting, said Fernandes was searched and "taken to the ground" when wraps of drugs, found to be cocaine, were discovered next to his leg.

The park, near St Nicholas car park, Great Yarmouth (Image: James Weeds, Newsquest)Fernandes was arrested and his address was searched where cannabis was found as well as SIM cards, weighing scales, and two burner phones, one of which contained drug dealing messages.

Miss O'Donovan said the defendant "knew what he was doing".

Fernandes, of Nelson Road South, Yarmouth, appeared at court on Thursday having previously admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine on November 28 last year.

John Morgans, representing Fernandes, who spoke through a Portuguese interpreter,  said he was still young and "essentially a boy".

He said his "lack of maturity" should be taken into consideration.

He said the defendant came to this country to work and start a new life but was introduced to drugs and "very quickly became addicted" to class A drugs.

Mr Morgans said he suffered a seizure and said his health had been affected by his addiction.

He said he is "genuinely remorseful" for supplying drugs and is ashamed of having got involved.

Mr Morgans said he was "a penniless drug addict" working to fund his own habit.

Recorder Ruth Brander imposed a two year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Fernandes was also ordered to undertake 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) and 100 hours unpaid work.