Croydon drug dealer sentenced to three years and three months for possession of drugs and weapons

A drug dealer caught with drugs and a knuckleduster in his house has been jailed for three years and three months.

Nicholas Sean Tyrell, 30, was arrested on July 18 after police saw a drug deal about to take place from his car.

They searched his home address after and uncovered offensive weapons, which are now illegal to own.

Tyrell was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Monday, October 25 to a total of three years and three months’ imprisonment.

He had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, two counts of assault of an emergency worker and obstructing police during a search.

On July 18 at around 10pm, police officers on patrol in Croydon noticed two individuals known to use drugs.

They watched them make their way to Alpha Road where they approached a grey Mercedes and one of them got into the passenger seat.

As police approached the car they saw the driver, Tyrell, notice their presence and throw two small white wraps onto the pavement.

He was detained for a search and immediately became aggressive, shoving one officer so hard he hit the floor.

The drugs were seized as well as a burner style phone in the car.

After Tyrell was arrested, his home address was searched.

A large amount of white and brown powder wraps, later confirmed to be drugs, four mobile phones and £250 in cash was on the dining room table.

In the same room officers round a friction lock baton and a black knuckle duster, changes to the offensive weapons act mean it is now illegal to own such items, even in a private place.

They also discovered cannabis, scales and other drugs paraphernalia.

Tyrell gave no comment during his police interview.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Leonard, said: “Tyrell was caught red handed by police on the cusp of dealing drugs to vulnerable members of his own community. Officers on proactive patrol to bear down on violence acted on local knowledge, ultimately removing a dangerous criminal from the streets.

“The arresting officers were sadly subject to physical abuse from Tyrell who became violent and resisted arrest, resulting in injuries. This is wholly unacceptable when they patrol London every day to keep the public safe.

“Tackling violence in all its forms is our top priority and we know drugs are closely linked to violent crime. Our efforts to disrupt drug dealers will not stop and we urge anyone with information on violent crime to contact us or reach out to the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 mean that from July 2021 it is an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters and zombie knives in a private dwelling.