An amateur boxer in Cardiff has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found in possession of up to £6,000 worth of cocaine at his family home. Ashley Lewis, 35, was raided by police on July 9, where they discovered five black wraps of cocaine weighing 114g in a bathroom cupboard. A phone used as a drugs line was also found hidden in a children’s toy box.
During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Lewis had a total of 23 previous convictions, including possession of cannabis and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Prosecutors detailed that £1,435 in cash and digital items containing traces of drugs were also found during the raid.
Lewis pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. His defence lawyer explained that Lewis had taken up amateur boxing and was selling tickets for an upcoming fight to alleviate financial pressures, including a debt of £3,000 borrowed for Christmas expenses.
Despite these circumstances, Recorder Paul Hartley-Davies highlighted that Lewis was aware of the risks associated with drug dealing and must have understood the harm caused by such actions. The judge emphasised the negative impact of drug dealing on individuals and communities.
Lewis was sentenced to 28 months in prison, with half of the term to be served in custody before release on licence. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of involvement in drug-related activities, particularly for those with prior criminal records.
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