Former University of South Wales student to pay over £30,000 for multiple drug offences

A former University of South Wales student has been ordered pay over £30,000 for multiple drug offence.

Josh Murphy, 26, was caught in possession of cannabis and cocaine by police who found drugs in his car.

More than £1,000 worth of cocaine was found when police stopped Murphy in Bridgend on 20th May 2023 whilst he was driving his Ford Fiesta under the influence of cannabis.

The police also later found £400 in cash inside Murphy’s wallet as well as a small bag of cocaine.

According to Wales Online, Murphy had told police after being asked if there was anything else in the car that a Tesco bag containing cannabis would be found.

Along with the cannabis, drug paraphernalia including a grinder, rolling papers, empty pots, weighing scales, lighters and a pot with cannabis inside were also found in the bag.

After the police further searched Murphy’s car, with the aid of a police dog, a cylindrical pot containing 11 grip seal bags of cocaine was discovered.

The search continued at Murphy’s home in Deri Avenue, Penceod, where police found 58 street deals of cocaine, weighing 22.13g and having the street value of between £1,160 and £1,740.

Police also discovered £730 in cash, cocaine in a green bag, two packets of diazepam tablets, weighing scales and zip lock bags, a total of four street deals of cannabis weighing 1.8g, with a street value of £20.

Murphy’s phone was also seized by officers who found text messages showing his involvement in the dealing of cocaine and cannabis. Six numbers were sent messages counting information about the supply of the related drugs.

Murphy pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, cannabis and bromazepam, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and supplying cannabis.

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Murphy had one previous conviction for drug driving which was committed on the same day as the current offences, the court heard.

The defendant went on to say in court that his drug dependancy led him to experience an “emotional breakdown” and to drop out of university.

Murphy was sentenced to three years in prison, and ordered to pay £33,958 for his offence in A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Newport Crown Court on Friday. However, it was found that Murphy only had assets worth £29,535.

Judge Daniel Williams has ordered Murphy to pay the money in the space of three months, but if Murphy fails to do so an additional 12 months will be added to his sentence in default.

Featured image via South Wales Police