Carisbrooke man with bin liner full of cannabis fled from police

Samuel Dunkling, of Nodgham Lane, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court last Monday (September 6).

The 31-year-old admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis, during lockdown last year, on April 10, 2020.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court police had been on a routine patrol at 5.25pm when a car being driven by Dunkling was spotted.

Mrs Smout said the officer had stopped Dunkling five days earlier, for a minor traffic offence, and wanted to check the vehicle had been rectified.

She said when Dunkling was pulled over, the officer immediately noted the smell of cannabis.

Mrs Smout said Dunkling became defensive and looked uncomfortable, and a DrugWipe was carried out.

The court heard he provided a negative result, but soon after, reached into the passenger's footwell and grabbed a black bin liner.

Mrs Smout said he then turned and started to run away, but another officer managed to locate him soon after.

She said the bag was seized and contained 840g of cannabis, valued between £5,100 and £8,400.

The court heard Dunkling initially denied the offence, then pleaded guilty on the basis he clubbed together with a group of his friends to bulk buy.

He told officers he bought the cannabis for £500, despite the quantity found being valued much higher.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Dunkling denied any commercial ­— for profit ­— supply.

He said he and his friends pooled money together so they did not have to buy from dealers they did not know.

Mr Vincent said the offence was during the height of lockdown, and it made more sense to buy in bulk.

He said Dunkling ran away from police because he did not want to lose his friends' money.

Mr Vincent said Dunkling was keen to address his ongoing issue with cannabis.

Dunkling was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, to include 18 rehabilitation days and 120 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay costs of £150 and a £128 surcharge.