AN OSWESTRY drug dealer whose home was searched after police found a large sum of money in his car has had his sentencing delayed by the barrister strike.

Callum Matthews attended Shrewsbury Crown Court on Thursday, September 1 ready to be sentenced for the drugs charges after he had pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrates Court in June this year.

The 20-year-old, of Henley Drive, was stopped by police in Oswestry in September 2020 and was charged with a variety of motoring offences.

However, he was also caught with a large amount of money which led to officers obtaining a warrant to search his home where they found cocaine and associated paraphernalia.

Matthews was considered to be a ‘street level’ dealer, with packets of cocaine and mobile phones found at the property – however, at his crown court appearance, Judge Peter Barrie heard from the prosecution that the defendant's involvement 'overlapped' between a significant and lesser role.

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Matthews, who arrived at court with belongings ready to be transported to prison, was advised by Judge Barrie that because of the 'complexities' of the case around his involvement, it would be best to adjourn to a future date with legal representation.

Judge Barrie said: "You have no representation but you’ve expressed a wish to be dealt with today.

"You’re only 20 and I want you to think about that – you’ve got a caution for cocaine but no other drug charges.

"I have to sentence according to guidelines and it makes a difference in what category that falls into.

"I can show you the guidelines but it doesn’t change the fact how the evidence equates to the features of the guidelines and it helps having an advocate who understands that.

"I am concerned about your age and it is my own view that you should have legal representation before decision is made what to do with you.

"Ultimately it is for you to decide.

"You’ve heard over the video link the prosecution say there are difficult issues and it is expected that was to be dealt with by someone who understands it.

"I don’t want you to make a rash decision which you will regret later.

"I can understand the frustration of wanting to get on with this and an advocate can say on your behalf that you wanted to get this done when it comes to be sentenced."

Matthews agreed with Judge Barrie, who adjourned the case until Monday, October 3.