An Ipswich man who was arrested after nearly 400 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were found at a house where he was living has walked free from court after a judge decided not to send him straight to prison.

Ipswich Star: Moses Miesi. Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARYMoses Miesi. Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY (Image: Archant)

Police officers raided a property in Turin Street, Ipswich, in May last year and discovered 208 wraps of crack cocaine and 177 wraps of heroin, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Before the court was Shaun Cattermole, 26, of Turin Street, who admitted permitting the premises to be used for the supply of heroin and cocaine and absconding while on bail.

The court heard that although Cattermole attended Ipswich Crown Court on Monday morning for the start of his sentencing hearing he failed to return after lunch and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Today, Tuesday, October 31, he was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a 50 day rehabilitation activity requirement after Judge Martyn Levett decided not to send him straight to prison.

Also before the court was Moses Miesi, 23, of London, who admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine in May last year on the basis that he was forced to guard the drugs after threats were made to him and his family.

After hearing evidence from Miesi in relation to his basis of plea, Judge Levett said he was satisfied he was a willing participant in what went on and jailed him for four years and three months.

Also before the court was Donna Bridgeman, 25, of no fixed address, who admitted supplying three wraps of crack cocaine to an undercover police officer on June 27.

She was given a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a 50 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Hugh Vass, mitigating for Miesi, said his client described himself as being “young and stupid” for getting involved in the offences.

Roger Thomson, for Cattermole, said alcohol and drugs were behind his client’s offending in the past and he was keen to change his life.

Steven Dyble, for Bridgeman, said his client was homeless and planned to move away from Ipswich. He said she was also keen to end her addiction to drugs.