A man arrested following a shooting incident has been handed a six-month conditional discharge after admitting possession of cocaine. Joseph Chance, 34, appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court on October 1, where he pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled drug of class A.
The court heard that Chance was arrested on August 15 for unrelated matters and taken to Wolverhampton police station. During a search, a small plastic bag containing a white powder was recovered from his person. Chance told police the substance was cocaine and accepted it was for his own personal use.
Arrest at the scene
Jolene Parnell, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was arrested on August 15 this year for unrelated matters and taken to Wolverhampton police station. When searched, a small plastic bag was recovered from his person, which contained a white powder. He told police the substance was cocaine and accepted it was for his own personal use."
Amarpreet Gill, defending, said Chance had been 'out at a pub' when a shooting took place, adding: "They arrested everyone at the scene." Gill noted that Chance, a window fabricator, had made 'full and frank admissions' to police about the cocaine.
Court outcome and costs
Magistrate Norma Grant addressed Chance directly, stating: "You are not being punished today, however if you commit another crime, this offence will come back to haunt you."
Chance, of Murcroft Road, Wollescote, was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £26 and £85 court costs. The conditional discharge means he will face no further penalty for this offence unless he commits another crime within the six-month period.
