Oxford – Former stab victim jailed for drug dealing in Blackbird Leys

Michael Walker, of Coriander Way, Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on July 6.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, after he was caught in Oxford on May 5 this year.

The court heard that Walker was the victim of a stabbing in August last year which resulted in Jaydon Jones being jailed for three years.

John Coates, prosecuting, told the court that Walker had been seen by police officers in Blackbird Leys, carrying out drug exchanges with people on bikes.

Michael Walker (Image: TVP)

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Officers attended and a short chase ended in Walker being caught and arrested.

However he was seen to discard a Nokia burner phone. Walker was searched and 39 wraps of crack cocaine and seven of heroin were found on him.

He also had £320.21 in cash. The court heard that the drugs had a street value of £600. The Nokia phone was found to be a drugs line.

There were bulk messages found saying ‘active’ and messages received, requesting drugs.

Walker’s address was searched, and police found scales used in drug dealing.

Mr Coates told the court that Walker had a previous conviction for possession with intent to supply a class B drug from 2022. He was given a community order for that last year, which was breached in the commission of the new offences.

Mr Coates said: “He had a significant role and there was an expectation of significant financial gain. This was selling directly to users.”

The court heard that Walker had been in custody since his arrest.

Peter Du Feu, mitigating, mentioned to the court that Walker had been ‘very seriously attacked’. This was a reference to the stabbing in August.

Mr Du Feu added: “He’s spent the last two months in custody. He got put to work due to a debt unrelated to drugs.

“He has to take responsibility for drug dealing which he has a previous conviction for.

“He’s a very intelligent young man. He’s still young. He’s by and large managed to stay out of trouble.

“His plans for the future are to get his basic English and maths. He wants a place in college so he can start a dog grooming business.

“There are positive signs for the future.”

Judge Maria Lamb said: “The court deals with drug dealing offences very seriously. The message is clear that class A drug dealing is a pernicious evil and it impacts so many families.”

Walker was jailed for a total of 30 months. Orders were also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs, cash, phone and scales.