Drug dealer's 'right hand man' Nathan Henshall is jailed

A MAN who operated as a drug dealer’s ‘right hand man’ has been sent to prison for three years.

Nathan Henshall, aged 21, was a front seat passenger in a car driven by Dalbagh Malhi when it was stopped by police on June 17 last year.

Malhi, who was found to be carrying Class A drugs, has since died.

Prosecutor Fiona Cortese yesterday told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court officers had searched the car and the two men.

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They found two wraps of powder containing diamorphine in the centre console area.

And police also discovered 2.11 grams of powder containing cocaine and a notebook which appeared to be a dealer’s list.

“The defendant’s fingerprints were found on that item,” said Miss Cortese.

She said Malhi was searched and found to be in possession of cocaine worth £180 and diamorphine with a street value of £80.

A mobile phone recovered from Henshall was analysed and found to contain texts relating to the supply of drugs.

Henshall, of Frodingham Road, Bentilee, pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing a Class A drug – cocaine, crack cocaine and diamorphine – with intent to supply.

Robert Smith, mitigating, said Henshall played a lesser role than Malhi.

But he conceded Mahli could not have done what he did without Henshall’s help.

Mr Smith said Henshall has cut ties with his old peer group since his arrest.

“He has completely disassociated himself from the drug associates he had in the months leading up to this offence,” he said.

“He accepts he made a gross error in getting involved in drugs.”

Judge Paul Glenn said Henshall would have been aware of the scale of the operation and jailed him for three years.

He said: “It is quite plain from the pre-sentence report that you were dealing these drugs for financial gain.

“I sentence you on the basis you were a right hand man for a street dealer who is now deceased.

“You were together in possession of three different types of Class A drugs – cocaine, diamorphine and crack cocaine. A dealer’s list with your fingerprints was found. Analysis of your mobile phone showed you were actively involved. You went into this with your eyes wide open.

“You were not a user financing an addiction and you would have known the consequences if you were caught.”

Henshall will serve no more than half the jail sentence with the rest on licence.

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Judge Glenn ruled Henshall benefited by £510 and made a confiscation order for the available amount of £90.