AN Alresford man "ravaged by drug addiction" has been sentenced for drug possession after he was acquitted of dealing.

Kenneth LeComber persuaded a jury at a trial in May that the large amount of class A drugs he was caught with was a bulk purchase during Covid for his personal use.

Winchester Crown Court heard that there was enough for 59 'hits' of crack, 289 of heroin and 140 of cocaine.

Gordon Ross, prosecuting, said the jury accepted that LeComber had made a bulk purchase during the Covid lockdown period when social restrictions were in place.

The court heard that LeComber, 55, of The Brook, Old Alresford, and formerly of Stanmore, has a long history of offending linked to drug addiction.

Tom Horder, mitigating, said his client had serious health issues, suffering from emphysema and was awaiting a lung reduction operation. His mother had died in 2020 and he had also been affected by the death of his brother.

But Mr Horder said the reason no drug treatment order was being suggested was because LeComber had made "pretty good progress since the offence. He seems to be stabilised; he is taking methadone and has not offended since.

"This case has had an effect on him. It has been a very clear warning shot across the bows and has been hanging over him for a long time. It was not a case he took lightly and caused him, through his own making, anxiety. He has the support of friends and family and his partner and has made a new life out in Alresford."

Mr Horder said LeComber receives £605 a month in benefit leaving him little to spend past basic living expenses.

Sentencing on Friday July 8, the judge Mr Recorder Robin Sellers imposed a 12-month community order with up to 15 rehabilitation activity days.

He said LeComber had been clearedby a jury of possession with intent to supply. "The drugs were purchased as a bulk purchase. There was a lot of drugs and it was inevitable that the police are going to think they were not simply for your own consumption. You have been ravaged by drug addiction."

The judge imposed a £100 costs order and an unspecified victim surcharge to be paid at £20 a month.

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