Taxi Driver Online

Taxi boss avoids prison over dope 'bargaining'

A taxi firm owner who held on to cannabis he found on his premises to use as a "bargaining tool" against unpaid rent, has avoided prison.
If Paul Jones was jailed, the jobs of 42 staff at VIP Cabs, Market Street, Preston, would be at risk, a judge said.

Preston Crown Court was told that Jones' explanation to police for having the cannabis on his premises had been investigated and would not be challenged.

Prosecutor Jeremy Grout-Smith said police searched the premises of VIP Cabs and discovered a block of cannabis resin, three bags of herbal cannabis, a cutting board and knives.

Jones told the officer how the drug had got into the premises. "He said the taxi firm's units were let out to a group of Asian males", said Mr Grout-Smith.

The defendant eventually became suspicious and found the cannabis. "He said he decided to retain the cannabis as a bargaining tool for outstanding rent debts," Mr Grout-Smith told the court.

Jones, 41, of Peacock Hill Close, Grimsargh, near Preston, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply, and supplying cannabis to persons unknown.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
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