Gareth Dobie, 45, from Hartlepool, has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role as a prolific street dealer of Class A drugs. Teesside Crown Court heard that Dobie was deeply involved in supplying illegal substances and managing significant criminal proceeds.
When arrested in March, police found Dobie with thousands of pounds in cash and multiple mobile phones that revealed his drug dealing activities. Dobie, residing on Inch Grove, admitted charges of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possessing criminal property.
Recorder Thomas Moran described Dobie as a “busy street dealer” who operated a drug line, sending bulk text messages to customers to facilitate sales.
Dobie claimed to probation officers that not all the money found was his, stating he was holding it on behalf of others. However, the court was informed that Dobie had previous convictions for cannabis dealing and possession of crack cocaine.
Recorder Moran acknowledged Dobie’s drug dependency but made it clear his involvement was not limited to funding his own habit; he profited financially from his criminal enterprise.
