2021-02-02
Drug mule avoids jail over suitcase stash
Stage: Sentence
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Ward to four years in prison which she suspended in full on strict conditions including that he remains under supervision of the Probation Service for two years. Judge Codd said it would be "unjust" to impose the presumptive mandatory minimum in the case and said "it is in society's interest" that people such as Ward are given the opportunity to rehabilitation. "He will have a substantial threat hanging over him if he doesn't take this opportunity," Judge Codd said, advising that if Ward breaks the terms of the suspension of the sentence he will be jailed for four years.; Judge Pauline Codd had adjourned the case having heard the evidence last June and ordered a probation report to give Ward a chance to see if he can stay off drugs.