Police officers found a man to be in possession of cocaine after they were called to reports of an altercation in Swindon’s Old Town.
Crown prosecutor Kate Prince told Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning that 30-year-old Mark Dennis had tried to fight door staff in Wood Street at around 9.30pm on 18 December last year.
The police were subsequently deployed to the incident, where they found the defendant, of Montague Street, Rodbourne, throwing failed punches towards bouncers on the door of Mackenzies.
He was taken to the ground by officers who handcuffed him before taking him to Gablecross having being arrested for being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
In custody, during a search, officers uncovered a small quantity of cocaine in the coin compartment of his wallet.
Dennis admitted he’d purchased the drug for personal use the day before.
The court heard he was sentenced to 32-month in prison in 2014 for dealing cocaine and heroin. He was caught when he dealt drugs to an undercover police officer.
Defending, Charlotte Frizell said her client – who works as a groundworker – was at a ‘works do’ and was intoxicated. He accepts he was drunk and his behaviour was disorderly.
Adding that he brought the cocaine for personal use but did not get to consume it due to being arrested.
Magistrates fined Dennis 625 for the offences. He must also pay a £63 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
