A JUDGE told a convicted drug dealer he was lazy for failing to get a job but decided not to jail him.
Shah Haque appeared at Worcester Crown Court to be sentenced for possession of class A drugs (cocaine), possession of class B (cannabis), possession of an offensive weapon in a private place (a knuckleduster) and possession of an air weapon when prohibited for five years.
The 24-year-old, of Chedworth Drive, Worcester, had also - at the time of his offences - been in breach of a suspended sentence given to him in February 2021 - two years jail, suspended for two years for being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine.
As we reported last October His Honour Judge James Burbidge KC, the Honorary Recorder of Worcester, gave a usual deferred sentence for six months for Haque to show he could rehabilitate himself.
The judge's conditions were for Haque to stay out of trouble, off drugs and to get employment.
Haque returned to the court on Wednesday, (April 12), with the judge hearing of his progress.
Giles Penegelly, prosecuting, reminded the judge of Haque's criminal activity.
As we previously reported Haque's home was searched for drugs in September last year.
After being taken to the police station it emerged that between his buttocks Haque had tried to hide a bag containing cannabis and a wrap of cocaine.
During the search an array of weapons including two knives, a sword, a knuckleduster and an air pistol were found.
Haque's 11 previous convictions dated back to 2016 and included affray, assaulting an emergency worker, and the drug offences when he received the suspended jail sentence in 2021.
In that case Haque got into an argument with bar staff at Bushwackers in August 2019. After arrest police found cash and cannabis on him, as well as mobile phones linking him to drug dealing cocaine and cannabis.
Barry Newton, defending, said Haque's general compliance with the probation service had been good, and urged the judge - if he was giving him a jail sentence - to suspend it.
Judge Burbidge said he Haque had "modestly complied" with the terms he set.
"I have hope that people, especially young people like you, can be rehabilitated," the judge said.
"I have called you lazy. You have a lazy attitude.
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"You had a CV written but were not prepared to advance it to any employers. There is no reason a young man like you could not seek employment.
"You have stayed out of trouble."
Haque had his head in his hands before the judge told him he would be jailed for six months, suspended for nine months.
Haque was told to complete 15 rehabilitation days, the judge urging him to work with the probation service.
Haque was also fined for the suspended sentence breach, and ordered to pay victim surcharge and court costs.
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