A man expressed excitement upon learning he had avoided imprisonment after being apprehended with 20kg of cannabis at an airport.
Paul Barrett, a former soldier, was discovered with cannabis and a kilogram of ketamine by customs officers at Newcastle Airport. Barrett admitted to possessing the drugs, citing debts from cocaine and gambling issues.
Despite his criminal history, including prior drug-related convictions, Barrett received a suspended prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court. Following his assurance to the judge, he celebrated his freedom with an outburst.
Customs officers found 20.5kg of cannabis resin and 1.12kg of ketamine in Barrett’s luggage. The drugs had a wholesale value of £80,000 and would have been worth more when sold individually.
Barrett, an army veteran with PTSD, attributed his drug involvement to post-military life challenges. He pleaded guilty to evading the importation prohibition on cannabis and ketamine.
Acknowledging his mistakes, Barrett’s defense lawyer stated his client’s commitment to turning his life around. The judge granted Barrett a final opportunity, sentencing him to an 18-month suspended term with 100 hours of community service.
In a virtual court appearance from prison, Barrett expressed gratitude for the chance given and emphasized his focus on his children. Upon being informed of his release, he jubilantly exclaimed “get in there.”
