Animal neglect case leads to cocaine conviction
Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
A Worksop man has been jailed after bags of crack cocaine were found at his home.
Mel Gibson’s drug dealing activities were exposed during a warrant at his home in Shrewsbury Road in March 2011 in connection with an RSPCA case against him.
The 21-year-old was subsequently arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
Gibson previously pleaded guilty to the charge and appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (1 October 2012) where he was sentenced to three years and six months (42 months) in jail.
Gibson was not present at the time of the search of his house, but 30 deal bags (8.42g) of cocaine were found in the pockets of his coat. Further tests estimated the drugs had a street value of £600.
He was arrested the next day when he handed himself in at Worksop Police Station.
In August, Gibson was also given a 12-month conditional discharge and banned from keeping dogs for five years by Worksop magistrates after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his pet dog by failing to get his injuries treated by a vet.
West Bassetlaw Neighbourhood Inspector Steve Cartwright said: “This was a big case for our team as we were also working with the RSPCA on an investigation into Gibson’s involvement in animal neglect.
“PC Jonathon Daniels, Detective Peter Moore and PC Shelley Christian did an excellent job handling a lot of statements, exhibits and warrants.
“But we can’t do this alone. We need you, the community, to be the eyes and ears of your neighbourhood. Have you noticed suspicious activity at a nearby address? Do you suspect someone to be involved in crime?
“If in doubt, sound us out. Gibson was brought to our attention by a concerned member of the community about his dealings with animals and this lead us to his other criminal activity. A quick, anonymous call in to us and we will take care of the rest.
“Illegal drugs have no place in Worksop. They ruin lives and fracture communities. Help us make sure our town does not suffer from this kind of destructive activity by a selfish few.”
If you suspect anyone of being involved in illegal drugs contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Message sent by
Jason Crofts (Police, PC 1146, West Bassetlaw, East Bassetlaw & Sherwood)