A 20-year-old drug dealer from Swindon, Leonard Howard, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for drug-related offenses.
Howard, residing on Harding Street, was arrested on June 10, just two weeks after his release from prison. Officers spotted him wearing a black balaclava and riding an illegal e-bike in the Upham Road area. When approached, he attempted to flee but was apprehended. During the arrest, he was found with a large machete hidden in his trousers, along with a mobile phone and a substantial amount of cash.
Following his arrest, police searched a property linked to Howard and discovered a significant quantity of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and more cash. Investigative efforts by the Serious Youth Gang Violence Team and the Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Policing Team uncovered extensive evidence on Howard’s mobile phone, indicating his involvement in the supply of Class A drugs in the area.
Howard pleaded guilty to supplying heroin between May and June 2024 and possessing a bladed article in public. He was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on September 3.
PC Aidan Hillier from the Serious Youth Gang Violence Team commented, “Just two weeks after being released, Howard believed it was acceptable to carry a machete in public and to supply Class A drugs to vulnerable individuals in Swindon. I welcome the custodial sentence he has received.”