Norfolk drug dealer found by police hunting missing person

Michael Chapman, 22, was found in a Great Yarmouth property as officers were conducting a welfare check having received a missing person report about another individual.

King's Lynn Crown Court heard there was no answer at the door but when officers looked through the window they could see "drug dealing materials" on the table.

Crest at King's Lynn Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)Hannah Gladwell, prosecuting, said police forced their way into the property and found Chapman.

His iPhone was examined by officers, who found drug dealing messages as well as pictures of cannabis and money.

Drug paraphernalia, including bagging and weighing items, was also found.

He was arrested following the discovery made by police in September 2020.

Chapman, of Yaxham Road, Dereham appeared at court on Tuesday (February 6) having admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely cocaine and MDMA, and another offence of being concerned in supplying class B drugs, namely cannabis.

Jude Durr, mitigating, said Chapman, who had admitted the offences, was a young man who had "turned his life around" since the drugs offences and had not offended at all for almost two years.

He said he worked 60 hours a week and had "caring responsibilities" for his partner and young child.

Mr Durr urged the court to take the "most merciful" course it could in dealing with him.

Judge Andrew Shaw said class A drug dealing was a "very serious offence".

Judge Andrew Shaw (Image: Newsquest)He said class A drugs "ruins the lives of people to whom drugs are supplied" as well as the lives of those who supply the drugs and also "devastates" communities.

But in passing a two year prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, Judge Shaw also accepted Chapman had "completely turned your life around".