A Sutton Coldfield drug dealer caught with more than 500g of illegal drugs has avoided prison after a delay in charging meant new sentencing guidelines applied to his case. Charlie McKeown, 24, of Monmouth Drive, was handed a two-year-and-eight-month sentence, suspended for two years, at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, August 20.
McKeown admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine and MDMA) and two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis and ketamine). He was caught in February 2024 after police searched his car and home, but did not plead guilty until June 2026.
Court hears of charging delay
Recorder Williams KC questioned why it had taken more than two years to charge the defendant. Prosecutor Ekwall Singh Tiwana said he had "no idea" but added: "Your honour knows that charging decisions are taking a longer time. Forensic tests in relation to drugs are taking a longer time."
Recorder Williams said the delay meant changes in sentencing guidelines now applied, allowing the sentence to be suspended. Sentences of up to three years can now be suspended, an increase from the previous two-year limit, for cases where a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty after March 22, 2026. The guidelines also introduced a presumption that sentences of 12 months or less must be suspended.
Police find drugs in car and home
The court heard police had intelligence linking McKeown to drug dealing. Officers searched his Ford Fiesta on February 12, 2024, finding cocaine packaged for supply, cannabis, cannabis resin, cash and three mobile phones. Telegram messages advertising drugs for sale were also uncovered.
When his bedroom was searched, police seized cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, MDMA and two scales. In total, officers found 41.96g of cocaine, 448.88g of cannabis, 28g of MDMA and 27.6g of ketamine.
McKeown, who said he was in debt at the time, had a "significant role" in the operation. Mr Tiwana said: "This was commercial street dealing, involving multiple drug lines." The offences took place in Walsall.
Defendant avoids prison
Tony Wyatt, defending, said he had nothing to add once he heard how Recorder Williams intended to punish McKeown. The defendant, who was of previous good character, came to court with a bag packed, prepared to be sent to prison.
Instead, he was made subject to a 35-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 160 hours of unpaid work. The court heard he could have been locked up had his case come to court earlier.
