Man jailed for dealing drugs near Middlesbrough play park

Christopher Bennison, 33, of Outram Street, Middlesbrough, was spotted by police as he carried out drug transactions in the Outram Street area over two days in January.

He even carried out exchanges on his own doorstep, which led to officers carrying out his arrest at his home.

Christopher Bennison (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

In a video shared of his arrest, Cleveland Police officers can be seen forcing their way into Bennison’s house before finding him in the kitchen and arresting him.

Officers found a bowl of white powder in the kitchen cupboard, which was later confirmed to be crack cocaine, along with items linked with the preparation of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and several mobile phones.

Around £120 in cash was seized, and there were text messages on a phone mentioning drug supply.

Christopher Bennison is arrested (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Bennison was arrested and later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.

On Monday (February 9) at Teesside Crown Court, Bennison was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

Following sentencing, 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 removing those drugs from our streets.

“Anyone who wishes to report drug activity in their local area can contact Cleveland Police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800555111.”