Liam Key was said to be ‘nervous and shaking’ when police started speaking to him
A serial drug dealer was found in possession of cocaine and messages on his phone from customers who asked him how much they owed him. The messages showed he had arranged to supply cocaine and cannabis to at least 17 customers.
Liam Key, 23, of Gilfach Goch, was discovered by police on September 24 last year during the arrest of another man who received a text from the defendant saying “I’m out by the gate”. An officer then went out to speak to him as he waited in his silver Volkswagen Golf.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard Key was asked why he was at the property, and gave a number of different conflicting accounts. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
Prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins said the defendant was “nervous and shaking” and as a result of his behaviour he was searched.
Inside the Golf, police recovered a cling film bag containing 1.04g of cocaine and a black iPhone which was examined.
The device revealed Key was involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis between August and September last year.
The defendant had arranged to supply at least 17 customers and deals were organised with prices reaching up to £380. Arrangements were also made for payments to be made “on tick”.
Key was asked by one of his customers how much he owed, and he responded £510. He told another customer they owed £650.
A search of the defendant’s phone resulted in the seizure of 23.9g of cocaine, more than £4,500 in cash, weighing scales, and cling film bags.
Key, of Heol y Mynydd, Hendreforgan, later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, and possession with intent to supply cocaine.
The court heard he has two previous convictions, including an offence of possession with intent to supply cannabis, for which he received a suspended prison sentence.
In mitigation, Stephen Thomas said his client had been in full time employment for a number of years, but will inevitably lose his job as a result of his conviction.
The barrister also said the defendant comes from a supportive family.
Key was sentenced to a total of 36 months imprisonment.
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