Drug dealer who sold crack cocaine close to children's play park jailed
A drug dealer who was spotted by police making deals near a children’s play park and even on the doorstep of his own home has been jailed.
Cleveland Police’s proactive team saw Christopher Bennison carry out the transactions in the Outram Street area of Middlesbrough across the course of January 7 and 8 this year.
Officers saw him carry out drug deals close to a children’s play park, and even on his own doorstep which led to him being arrested at home.
Inside his property on Outram Street, police found a bowl of white powder in the kitchen cupboard which was later confirmed to be crack cocaine, along with items consistent with the preparation of crack cocaine, drugs paraphernalia and a number of mobile phones.
They also found around £120 in cash and messages on a mobile phone which suggested he was involved in the supply of drugs.
Bennison, 33, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A and concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.
On Monday (Feb 9), he was jailed at Teesside Crown Court for three years and four months.
Middlesbrough Proactive Team Sergeant John Sproson said: “Some of these offences were committed close to a children’s play area, placing children and other members of the public at potential risk and exposure to serious offences.
“We won’t tolerate this offending in our communities, and we continue to be proactive in tackling those who deal drugs in Middlesbrough, and remove those drugs from our streets.”