Man jailed for more than three years for offensive weapon and drug offences

A 45-year-old man who pleaded guilty to the possession of a box of knuckle dusters, a firearm and both Class A and B drugs has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.

James McFarlane was arrested after a warrant under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act was executed at his home in Sassoon Mews in Wellingborough, on March 19 this year.

During the search of the one-bedroom flat, officers from Northamptonshire Police seized a box of 14 knuckle dusters, a firearm, cannabis and cocaine, as well as items used to facilitate the sale of drugs including a set of scales and a mobile “burner” phone.

McFarlane was subsequently charged with the possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs – namely cocaine and cannabis – possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and possession of a firearm without a certificate.

He appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on March 20, and was remanded in custody until his next hearing at the town’s crown court on May 1, where he pleaded guilty to all four offences.

On October 1, McFarlane returned to Northampton Crown Court for sentencing when he was handed a 45-month prison term and ordered to pay £228 surcharge. A forfeiture/destruction order was also imposed in relation to the weapons, firearm, and drugs.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said: “We’re committed to tackling drug harm and serious violence and are therefore pleased that James McFarlane has been held to account for his involvement in the illegal trade of both.

“Drug dealers prey on the most vulnerable people in our society and bring misery to others, and because of this warrant, we have removed more cocaine and cannabis off our streets as well as prevented the devastation these types of weapons can cause.

“We hope that this sentence reassures members of the public that we will take positive action against issues affecting them and that it encourages anyone who has concerns about drug or weapons within their local communities to keep reporting suspicious activity to us.”

If anyone has concerns about drug dealing or any other illegal activities, please report it to us on 101, online at www.northants.police.uk/ro or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.