THE sentencing of a Reading drug dealer has been delayed due to a basis of facts needing to be established.
Tajal Campbell, of Westwood Road, Reading, was due to be sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday (October 18) for two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and one count of possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.
However, the defence barrister for the 20-year-old, who appeared over video link from prison, explained that Campbell had been 'working off a drug debt', which could reduce the seriousness of his offence.
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He said: "He was selling drugs for someone else in 2018, he was arrested and lost those drugs he was arrested with and therefore there was a debt he had to work off."
Judge Sarah Campbell agreed that a Newton hearing would be needed before the sentence.
A Newton hearing occurs when the defendant has pleaded guilty to the offence, but on the basis of a different version of facts from that of the prosecution and the factual differences would make a material difference to the sentence imposed.
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His hearing was therefore delayed and a new sentencing date has yet to be set.
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