Nelson cannabis dealer jailed after car chase

Burnley Crown Court was told how cannabis user Nasir Hussain had been involved in commercial supply of the drug for two to three months to fund his own habit and police found drugs-related text messages on his phone.

Hussain, who had clocked 60 m.p.h. in 30 m.p.h. and 20 m.p.h. residential streets in Nelson in the early hours pursuit, ignored speed bumps, went across roundabouts without giving way and ended up running from his vehicle. He was found hiding behind a car and, when police approached him and an officer took hold of him, he punched him in the face.

The defendant (23), of Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing the drug. He was convicted after a trial of dangerous driving and common assault. He was banned for 18 months and must take an extended retest. Hussain will face a proceeds of crime hearing in February.

Mr Kevin Donnelly (prosecuting) said, on February 15th, police flagged the defendant down. At first he stopped, and then accelerated away.

A short pursuit followed in Leeds Road and Regent Street, Nelson, after which the defendant was arrested. The police officer he hit suffered soreness, scrapes and bruises.

Mr Donnelly said Hussain’s phone was seized and the Crown took the view he was dealing commercially in cannabis at a low level, in mostly £5 and £10 bags, although there was one text message, in December last year, relating to potential supply by the defendant of four ounces of cannabis. The prosecutor said: “It would suggest he is capable of dealing up to such quantities.”

Hussain was interviewed and claimed he had found the vehicle abandoned at the side of the road and had taken it for a joyride. The defendant accepted his driving had been substandard but alleged it was careless.

Mr Donnelly added the defendant had a record, which included dishonesty and cannabis offences.