A 22-year-old man from Oxford has received a suspended prison term after admitting to supplying class A narcotics in the city.
Tate Whipp, of Cardinal Close, entered guilty pleas to dealing crack cocaine and heroin between December 2024 and January 2025.
His sentencing took place at Oxford Crown Court on September 17.
Prosecutor Alban Brahimi told the court that Whipp was observed separating from a cluster of men who were conducting business with an established drug supplier.
Whipp fled on foot and attempted to dispose of a mobile phone before being taken into custody on suspicion of drug supply offences.
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered drug-related equipment, including packaging materials.
Authorities also examined his phone, which contained numerous messages consistent with distribution activities.
The prosecution stated that Whipp demonstrated awareness of the operation’s scope and anticipated financial benefits.
Defence counsel Nick Cotter urged the court to take an exceptional approach and impose a suspended sentence, characterising the offending as street-level dealing.
Cotter noted that Whipp displayed a degree of immaturity and acknowledged understanding the gravity of the offences.
The court was informed that Whipp possessed no prior criminal record.
Presiding Judge Ian Pringle KC observed that such activity causes significant harm to communities and that class A substances devastate numerous lives.
The judge determined that Whipp had played a meaningful role in the operation while expressing the view that this represented an aberration in his life.
Whipp received a 28-month custodial sentence, suspended for a period of 24 months.
He was also ordered to observe a three-month curfew and complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions.
A disposal order was made for the seizure and destruction of the controlled substances.