Blyth man jailed after choking on heroin he tried to swallow

A Blyth man has been jailed for five and half years for drugs offences.

Michael Johnson, age 52, of Wensleydale Terrace in Northumberland was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and money laundering.

He was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court following a three day trial and sentenced on Thursday, March 23.

Johnson was stopped and searched by officers on April 2, last year on Twelfth Avenue in Blyth. He was found to be in possession of 5/8 of an ounce of heroin, with a potential street value of £1,160 and cash totalling £1,430.

He attempted to swallow the drugs, which stuck in his throat. Officers came to his assistance, performing the Heimlich manoeuvre on him, and the drugs which had been obstructing his breathing were coughed up and seized.

Detective Inspector Jon Bensley said:

"We are pleased by the sentence the court has handed down to Michael Johnson, who has shown himself to be involved in the supply of heroin which causes misery to many lives.

"It was fortunate for Mr Johnson that officers responded swiftly when he was choking and came to his aid, otherwise heroin may have claimed another victim.

"Removing him from the Blyth community to serve his sentence in prison can only have a positive impact on safeguarding the wider community."