Man sentenced for drugs offences in Reading
James Buckthorpe will spend almost two and a half years in jail.
Last updated 6th Apr 2024
A man's been jailed for nearly two and a half years at Reading Crown Court for drug offences.
James Buckthorpe, aged 50, of Hollicombe Close, Tilehurst was sentenced to a total of two years and five months in prison on Thursday 28 March.
At the same hearing he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – namely crack cocaine and heroin and one count of fail to surrender.
On 23 March last year, a Vauxhall Corsa, driven by Buckthorpe himself, was stopped by police for a search under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Officers found a mobile phone and around £425 in cash in Buckthorpe’s jacket. After a further search, four wraps of crack cocaine and eights wraps of heroin were located. Police say they had a combined street value of around £240.
Buckthorpe was arrested on the same day and was charged on 16 September last year. He then failed to attend court, and was arrested for failing to surrender on 16 January this year.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Jon Nicholls, based at Reading police station, said: “Thames Valley Police does not tolerate the supply of drugs and Buckthorpe has been sentenced as a result.
“I hope this sentence shows the seriousness with which drug dealing is taken."
“We work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice and take these drugs off our streets."
“The information from the public around the drug supply offences in Reading plays an important role in developing intelligence into a proactive investigation."
“Anyone with information about drug dealing can contact us by calling 101 or by making a report online."
“If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and they will take your information 100% anonymously.”