An 80‑year‑old man from Exmouth has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting he had intended to supply cocaine and cannabis, and was found in possession of a large sum of cash linked to criminal activity.
Sentence suspended despite repeat offending
At Exeter Crown Court, Michael Harper, of Albion Street, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to supply both cocaine and cannabis and to acquiring criminal property. The offences relate to an incident in August 2023 when police observed him acting in a suspicious manner.
Recorder Joanna Martin KC imposed a sentence of two years and eight months in prison, suspended for three years. The judge told Harper that, as a third‑strike offender, he would ordinarily face a statutory minimum custodial term of seven years for supply offences. However, a combination of factors led the court to suspend immediate imprisonment.
"If you supply or have in your possession drugs which you are going to share with any friends at all, ever, that's it. All bets are off. You will be going to prison for seven years less any discount for plea."
The court was told Harper has previous convictions for supply dating back to the 1990s and 2001, but it was also noted his most recent offending was on a social level involving friends and that a pre‑sentence report and multiple character references painted a mitigatory picture.
Requirements and financial forfeiture
Alongside the suspended sentence the judge ordered a number of requirements and financial penalties. Harper must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay a fine of £3,000. The cash seized by police, totalling £33,873, was forfeited.
- Offences admitted: possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis; acquiring criminal property
- Custodial term imposed: two years and eight months, suspended for three years
- Unpaid work: 150 hours
- Fine: £3,000
- Cash forfeited: £33,873
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Michael Harper, Albion Street, Exmouth |
| Offences | Possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis; acquiring criminal property |
| Sentence | 2 years 8 months suspended for 3 years |
| Other penalties | 150 hours unpaid work; £3,000 fine; £33,873 forfeited |
The judge warned Mr Harper that any repeat of such behaviour would result in immediate custody and that the previously‑applicable minimum term would be enforced subject to any plea discounts. The case underscores the court's balancing act between community protection and individual circumstances such as age, character references and probation assessments.
This outcome will be closely noted in Exmouth, where residents and local services remain concerned about drug supply on the streets. The suspended sentence places the defendant under a period during which non‑compliance or further offending is likely to trigger immediate imprisonment.
