A 25-year-old man from Nottingham has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of drug offences.
Kane Storer, who resides at Bala Drive in Bestwood, was described by the court as someone who has never worked and relies on state support, receiving £1,500 monthly in benefits, of which £370 goes towards purchasing cannabis.
Presiding over the case at Nottingham Crown Court, Recorder Adrian Reynolds told Storer that immediate imprisonment was the consequence of his choices. The judge noted that Storer had been given an opportunity in 2019 to change his circumstances when handed a suspended sentence, yet elected to continue his behaviour.
In delivering the sentence, the recorder stated that when Storer received that earlier chance, he made no attempt to reflect on his life or recognise the need for change. The court heard Storer has never been employed and has never sought work. The judge observed that despite spending £370 monthly on cannabis, Storer does not view his consumption as problematic. The recorder expressed disagreement with this assessment.
The judge further noted that in his pre-sentence report, Storer claimed a medical professional had advised him that cannabis use would help his neurological condition. According to the court, both the report author and the judge shared scepticism about this claim. The recorder indicated that Storer appears to view obedience to the law as discretionary. The judge stated he believed dealing in cocaine was undertaken for profit rather than debt repayment. The recorder expressed regret that Storer had not explored legitimate methods to settle any debts, including ceasing cannabis purchases given his substantial benefits.
The most troubling aspect of the case, according to the judge, was that even after being apprehended and charged, Storer made no effort to consider how his life might change.
Raglan Ashton, presenting the case for the prosecution, explained that officers encountered Storer on May 27, 2025 regarding separate matters. Upon searching him, they discovered 22 bags of cannabis with a value reaching £720 and 27 portions of cocaine worth up to £1,980. Officers also seized £1,581 in cash and a mobile phone.
The prosecutor stated that during questioning, Storer expressed remorse and claimed he had only begun selling drugs the day prior to his arrest.
Storer admitted guilt to possessing both cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply.
Sue Rodham, speaking in his defence, explained that her client developed neurological conditions after an accident occurring outside the country. She stated that his drug dealing was an attempt to clear a debt.