A High Wycombe man has been jailed for over five years for several drug crimes, carrying a knife and dangerous driving whilst disqualified.
In June last year, police received calls from members of the public that a man was carrying a knife at the Cressex Community Centre, High Wycombe.
Zayll Bennett, aged 22, of Bedder Road, was later located and arrested for the offence before being released under investigation.
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Months later, in December, officers were conducting plain clothes patrols in an unmarked vehicle when they noticed leave a car close to his home address very briefly before getting back in and driving off.
The officers then requested uniformed police to stop Bennett as they were aware he was disqualified from driving, but when they attempted to stop him, he reversed away at speed causing damage to another vehicle.
Officers found the car a short time after but it was unattended.
Bennett was then located again by officers next to a car near his home address and was this time detained.
Officers found significant quantities of class A and class B drugs, scales, bicarbonate of soda, and deal bags inside the car.
The officers also searched Bennett and found him in possession of a smart phone, two burner phones, a quantity of cash, and the key to the car driven dangerously earlier in the day.
Bennett was arrested for both drugs and driving offences and was subsequently charged on December 16.
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He has since pleaded guilty to nine offences and was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday (February 10).
Bennett pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – cocaine, one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – heroin, one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – crack cocaine and one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled class B drug – cannabis.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a bladed article in a public place, one count of breaching a suspended sentence, one count of dangerous driving, one count of driving whilst disqualified and one count of driving without insurance and has been banned from driving for three and a half years.
Investigating officer PC Hannah Ransome, of the Stronghold team based at High Wycombe police station, said: "I hope that this conviction and sentence sends out a clear message to anybody involved in organised crime within High Wycombe that you will be targeted and robustly pursued by the Stronghold team.
“Drug dealers often target the most vulnerable people in our communities, and we are committed to removing them from society and safeguard and protect victims.
“I hope that Bennett reflects on his actions during his time in prison.
“Tackling drug dealing continues to need the support of the public, and we would urge anybody who has information about drug dealing to please report it to the police.
“You can do so online or by calling 101, or for 100% anonymity, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"I would also like to highlight the good work of Detective Constable Sarah Simpson, in securing the conviction regarding the knife offence."
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