Traffic offences leads to drug dealer’s downfall

A 23-year-old man has received a two-year suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to dealing drugs after a routine traffic stop uncovered his illicit activities.

David Bradburn attracted attention from two East Northants Neighbourhood Policing officers shortly after 8.30pm on July 15, 2021, after they witnessed a black Nissan Micra car shoot out of a junction in Sidegate Lane, Irthlingborough.

A routine vehicle check on the Police National Computer revealed the car was registered to a young woman from Irthlingborough, who was also the only named person insured to drive the vehicle.

After signalling for the car to stop in Victoria Street, Bradburn initially slowed the vehicle down while he and his female passenger appeared to be distracted by something inside the vehicle before eventually coming to a halt in Queen Street.

Bradburn got out of the car and told the officers that he didn’t have a driving licence and was issued with a Notice of Intended Prosecution. However, while dealing with the traffic offences the officers spotted a cannabis leaf inside the vehicle.

A search of the occupants and car under the Misuse of Drugs Act uncovered evidence of drug dealing with various items seized including a quantity of Class A and Class B drugs, two mobile phones and cash.

A subsequent search of an address in Whitsundale Close, Finedon, linked to Bradburn, led to the seizure of more cash, scales associated with drug deals, a quantity of Class B and Class A drugs, a flick knife and a knuckleduster.

The street value of the cocaine and cannabis seized from both searches was estimated to be between £6,550 and £13,110, while more than 50 messages retrieved from the two mobile phones were associated with the sale and advertising of illicit drugs.

Bradburn was released under investigation before being informed via a postal requisition that he had been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A – cocaine, and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs - cannabis.

On Monday, July 3, Bradburn of Alington Close, Finedon, appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty. His case was committed to the county’s crown court and on Friday, October 20, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

PC Matt Bristow of East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team, who led the investigation, said: “Bradburn has only got himself to blame as it was through his poor driving that he caught our attention and led us to uncover his involvement in drug dealing.

“To his credit, he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and although some people may not see this as a tough enough sentence, Bradburn now has a criminal record which will affect all areas of his life.

“In addition to this, if he commits another offence within the next 12 months, he will be sent to prison for two years to serve his suspended sentence. We hope that he will use this second chance to turn his life around.

“Drug harm is a matter of priority for the Force, and we will continue to tenaciously enforce and disrupt drug dealers, who prey on the most vulnerable people in our society and bring misery to our streets and communities.”  

At a previous hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on February 14 this year, Bradburn was also fined a total of £466 and had six endorsement points added to his licence for driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and without third party insurance. He was also ordered to pay £117 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

If anyone has concerns about drug dealing within their community, please report it to us on 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/ro. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.