18-year-old Joseph Craig of Newport has been sentenced to 16 months in prison – suspended for 2 years – for supplying the class A drug MDMA, which led to the hospitalisation of 4 individuals earlier this month.
Craig, of Castle Road, appeared before the Isle of Wight Crown Court this morning (Thursday) charged with supplying a class A controlled drug – MDMA, a charge he pleaded guilty too on 4th July. It follows a Police investigation after 4 males were admitted to hospital after buying what they thought was ecstasy at Yates’ bar in Newport.
The court heard today how the teenager purchased a total of 5 pills before selling them on to the 4 individuals via another person. According to Police at the time, the ‘rogue batch’ of drugs made people appear to act drunk, become very aggressive, very frightened and lose consciousness – however the court heard evidence that the pills were not rogue and that the reactions witnessed are sometimes as a result of taking the drug.
The NHS say the 4 individuals had a lucky escape. St Mary’s Hospital had to open and staff an additional area to treat and monitor the 4, which also resulted in the cancellation of scheduled surgery.
Craig, who has no previous convictions, has lost the opportunity of a football scholarship in the United States as a result of his actions and his future career prospects have been affected.
Judge Robert Hill passed down a 16 month sentence – suspended for 2 years – and a 4 month tag, as well as ordering Craig to pay a surcharge of £100.
