Judge tells Netherton drug dealer it is time for the law to bite

Scott Underhill "arrogantly" continued selling the controlled drug on the streets because he felt the "law did not apply to him".

But as he was jailed for 27 months at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the 26-year-old was left in no doubt he had used up all his chances for leniency.

Judge Robin Onions told Underhill it was clear he kept thinking he would escape real punishment but he added: "You thought the law had no teeth but it is going to bite now."

He told Underhill, who had previously come to the attention of police on eight occasions for having cannabis: "You have displayed considerable arrogance in ignoring your responsibility to comply with the law."

The judge went on: "The time for you to be treated leniently is long past" as he warned Underhill the sentences would get longer and longer if he continuted to act as a street dealer.

Underhill, a cannabis addict, of St Peters Road, admitted possessing the Class B drug with intent to supply and also possessing a small amount of cocaine.

Judge Onions added: "On previous occasions when you were in court you did not listen to what was said to you, if you had you would have stopped offending."

He said Underhill had been given the chance to keep his freedom on his last court appearance but just 14 days later he was again caught in possession of cannabis.

Underhill's role in cannabis dealing was significant, said the judge, and it was clear he had been motivated by financial advantage or to get money to fuel his own habit.

Jonathan Cox, prosecuting, said police with a warrant went to Underhill's home where they found cannabis and drug dealing paraphernalia including scales and customer lists.

The carpenter was bailed but he was then caught in possession of cannabis again.

Underhill's barriser, Jas Man, told the court: "He is a victim of the poison he has peddled.

"He was dealing to a limited number of friends. He was not peddling his wares to the world. It was to a group of about 20 people."