POLICE have now released the mugshot of a teenager who is starting a two-year prison sentence after dealing drugs to fuel his own drug habit.

A crown court judge deemed Mark Jones, of Peckforton Way, Northwich, ‘a classic case of somebody becoming dependent on and involved with drugs’.

The 19-year-old appeared in Chester Crown Court on Friday, March 18, to be sentenced.

The court heard how a search warrant was executed at his home address on February 10, 2021, where drugs were recovered, along with bags, scales, a phone showing evidence of dealing.

Among the drugs recovered were cannabis, ketamine and magic mushrooms, but Jones said he would only supply the cannabis and the other drugs were for his own use.

The maximum value of the drugs recovered was £743.

Howard Jones, defending, said Jones committed the offence to fund his own habits, and at the time he saw it as an ‘easy way’ of gaining the lifestyle he wanted.

He said he has since turned his life around and gained employment, but admitted he still used cannabis.

Addressing Jones, Judge Patrick Thompson said: “This is a classic case of somebody becoming dependent on and involved with drugs.

“It’s easy money, but you have to understand there will be consequences when you come to court.”

Jones was sentenced to two years in prison.

Judge Thompson added: “I hope you use your time constructively, continue building on the efforts you have made, and stop using drugs.”