Swindon drug dealer sentenced

Leonard Howard, 20, was stopped on Upham Road on June 10.

Author: Harry LongPublished 4th Sep 2024

A Swindon drug dealer has been jailed for more than two years.

20 year-old Leonard Howard, of Harding Street, was caught with a large machete on Upham Road on June 10 - officers found cash and drugs after further searches.

He was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment at Swindon Crown Court after pleading guilty to various offences.

He pleaded guilty to the offences of being concerned in the supply of heroin between May and June 2024, and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.

PC Aidan Hillier, of the Serious Youth Gang Violence Team, said: “Just two weeks after being released from prison, Howard thought it was acceptable to be in possession of a machete in public and had been involved in the supply of class A drugs to vulnerable people in Swindon.

“I therefore welcome the custodial sentence he has been given.

“We understand the public are concerned when they see people riding around on illegal electric bikes wearing balaclavas - it causes fear of harm amongst residents and that is why creating safer public spaces is a force priority. We will proactively target those causing harm within our communities.”

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