Man Jailed For Supplying Methadone

15 March 2013, 11:15 | Updated: 15 March 2013, 11:23

A man who supplied his heroin substitute to another drug user, which was found next to her dead body, has been jailed for three years.

Graham Cox, had denied selling the Class A drug to a neighbour, Sharon Thompson, but was convicted by a jury at a previous hearing.

The court heard that she was found dead in her flat at Adamson Court in Kempston in November 2011.

Judge Michael Kay QC said: "She had consumed that methadone and in sad and tragic circumstances died as a result."

He told 41 year old Cox: "There is no suggestion that you knew that would happen, but when you supply to a known drug user there is always that risk."

Cox, also of Adamson Court had pleaded not guilty to supplying methadone and to possessing two wraps of heroin, but was convicted by a jury. He pleaded guilty to the possession of a small quantity of cannabis.

He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court today.

Prosecutor, James McLernon said Cox had collected his prescription for methadone on 22nd November 2011. But he had cut down his own usage, and it appeared that he sold the bottle to Miss Thompson for a few pounds.

When she was found dead, police went to Cox's flat where they found the two heroin deals, that he was probably looking after for someone else and cannabis for his own use.

Derek Johashen, defending said: "He has had a very long and entrenched drug addiction, which has led to long term health problems.

"He does not accept supplying Miss Thompson but he does express that his methadone has led to a very dreadful situation and that she has died and he is very upset about that.

"He has been drug free for 14 months and would like to be ale to help others learn from his problems and mistakes."

Judge Kay said: "This is sad, tragic and horrendous for all concerned but I have to deal with the offending and I am constricted by guidelines on sentencing."