(Image: The Northern Echo)
A young Darlington street cocaine dealer who carried a machete was told he is likely to be jailed when he appears in court tomorrow (Thursday, October 22).
Bobby Duxfield is due back before Judge Tom Mitchell at Teesside Crown Court to learn his fate tomorrow.
The 21-year-old, of Fenby Avenue, appeared before Judge Mitchell at the court today (Wednesday, October 21), after admitting several charges recently before magistrates.
Duxfield is to be sentenced for possessing cocaine with intent to supply, dangerous driving, carrying an offensive weapon in public, driving other than in accordance with his licence, driving without insurance and failing to stop for police.
He fled on a Suron e-bike when police approached him in Haughton Road, Darlington, while he was in possession of wraps of cocaine, a machete and cash from drug sales.
When he was caught, police seized the machete, drugs, £1,320 and the e-bike.
Prosecutor Emma Atkinson asked for a short adjournment to confirm the drugs’ value and for a decision to be made by the Crown as to whether a Proceeds of Crime hearing is needed in the case.
Judge Mitchell said he was reluctant to adjourn due to Duxfield's young age and as he has turned up at court expecting to be sentenced today, but he gave the prosecution 24 hours to provide the information.
"He's an armed street dealer who made a bolt for it when police came for him.
"The drugs, the knife and the dangerous driving mean you lose your liberty, so he's not going anywhere.
"He's a dealer for someone else. He said as much when he spoke to the Probation Service.
"He's not only a 'runner', but an armed 'runner' who ran from the police which mean he's got to be going 'inside'.
"But this is a young man who needs to know his fate.
"However, anyone found with an amount of drugs, running from the police while armed with a weapon ... it's serious."
The judge said as Duxfield arrived at court promptly, accompanied by his mother, he would extended his bail overnight.