Drug dealer who tried to flee police sentenced

A drug dealer who was caught hiding in some bushes after trying to evade police capture has been sentenced.

An officer was out on patrol in South Normanton on Thursday 6 June 2024 when they spotted a known drug user approach a Seat Ibiza which was parked up.

Two people were inside the car and a man sat in the passenger seat was seen to hand something to the drug user.

Believing a drug deal had taken place, the officer followed the car in his vehicle onto Ball Hill. The officer activated blue lights and the Seat Ibiza pulled over.

However, the man who was in the passenger seat immediately got out and ran along a footpath leading to Newlands Drive, past some houses and heading towards Carter Lane East.  

The officer lost sight of him and requested the drone unit and dog handler attended.

Thermal imaging identified a heat source in some bushes and the suspect – Callum Vass - was found and arrested.

Officers also recovered a number of items from the same bushes including cigarette paper wraps and a plastic wrap both containing crack cocaine and a Nokia mobile phone.

Vass was searched and officers found he had more than £1049.10 in cash on him.

A search of his home also led to the discovery of a quantity of cannabis.

The crack cocaine recovered had a street value of about £1040.

Bulk marketing messages advertising the sale of drugs were also found on his phone.

Vass mostly answered no comment during police interview.

The 21-year-old, of Alfreton Road, South Normanton, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and cannabis possession.

He was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, during an appearance at Derby Crown Court on Monday 18 May.

Vass was also ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work in the community.

In addition, a forfeiture order was made to seize the £1049.10 cash from Vass to be donated for use in the community via Foundation Derbyshire.

Police Constable Chris Gray, of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), who dealt with the case, said: “This case was a prime example of how different policing teams work together in order to get the job done.

“If you run from police, there really is nowhere to hide. You will be caught and brought to justice.”