Drug dealer Shah Haque given unusual deferred sentence to prove he can be rehabilitated

Shah Haque appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, (October 28), to be sentenced for possession of Class A drugs (cocaine), possession of class B (cannabis), possession of an offensive weapon in a private place (a knuckleduster) and possession of an air weapon when prohibited for five years. 

Haque was also in breach of a suspended sentence given to him in February 2021 - two years jail, suspended for two years for being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine. 

COURT: Shah Haque has appeared at Worcester Crown Court (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Andrew Wallace, prosecuting, said police went to Haque's home in Chedworth Drive, Worcester, at 5.15am on September 6 this year for a drug search. 

The prosecutor said, after being taken to the police station, between his buttocks Haque had tried to hide a bag containing cannabis and a wrap of cocaine. 

"His home was searched - he had an array of weapons including two knives, a sword, a knuckleduster and an air pistol," Mr Wallace said.

"In interview he said the drugs were for personal use and the weapons were to look at - he had no intention of using them."

SEIZED: The knuckleduster seized by West Mercia Police (Image: West Mercia Police)

The prosecutor said Haque had convictions dating back to 2016 including affray, assaulting an emergency worker, and the drug offences when he received the suspended jail sentence in 2021. 

As we reported, in that case, Haque got into an argument with bar staff at Bushwackers in August 2019. After arrest police found cash and cannabis on him, as well as mobile phones linking him to drug dealing cocaine and cannabis.

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Barry Newton, defending, said a pre-sentence report revealed Haque had relapsed back into drug taking before committing the latest offences.

Judge James Burbidge KC said three out of the four offences didn't cross the custody threshold, the knuckle duster offence only just doing so.

For that reason, the judge said, he was going to defer the sentence. 

Judge Burbidge said: "You are still young, 24. 

"I gave you a chance in 2021 because I have got to have faith that people can rehabilitate.

JUDGE: Judge James Burbidge KC

"I gave you a suspended sentence, you breached that.

"On the last occasion you were told you would go to prison if you committed another offence. 

"Really that's where I should send you. 

"Because I still have that hope, I'm going to give you a second chance."

The judge said he wanted to see Haque again in six months' time explaining if he stays out of trouble, off drugs and gets employment he would not go to jail. 

The judge added it would be wise Haque give up his interest in weapons. 

"Find another interest," the judge added before telling Haque he could leave the dock.