A Cirencester man who was arrested on his 19th birthday for drug dealing and being in possession of £24,000 worth of designer clothing and trainers he had bought with his ill-gotten gains has been sent to a young offenders' institution for three years and four months.

Prosecutor Alex Daymond told Gloucester Crown Court on Wednesday (April 20) that a police warrant was executed at Cordell Patterson's home in Burge Court, Cirencester, following a number of reports that the occupant was dealing in Class A drugs.

"The police went to the property at 7am and posted officers around the building as well as entering the building," said Mr Daymond.

"They then forced an entry through the front door and, while this was happening, the occupant threw a bag containing white powder out of the bedroom window, which was retrieved by an officer waiting below.

"The property was searched and the police found a number of cannabis wraps and a bag containing 170grams of the class B drug and a small bag of cannabis weighing 24 grams which together were valued at £1,940 in street deals.

"The 18.4 grams bag of cocaine thrown out of the window was estimated to be worth in the region of £800.

"A quantity of designer clothing, valued at £10,000 and designer trainers, valued at £14,000 were also seized which police believe were purchased from the proceeds of crime.

"Additionally, some £4,150 in cash was discovered which is also believed to be the proceeds from drug dealing.

"Patterson's phone was analysed and was found to have evidence of drug dealing on it. Some of the messages sent in particular related to a runner that he employed to go out on his behalf. That runner has since pleaded guilty to drug offences and is currently going through the court processes."

The court was told that Patterson was arrested on March 1, his 19th birthday, and gave a no comment interview to police.

Sarah Jenkins defending, said: "It is accepted that Patterson had somebody running for him, but was doing most of the drug dealing himself. The runner was used on an ad hoc basis.

"Patterson entered the world of drug dealing because he was a heavy user of cannabis. But after a while he accrued a drug debt that needed to be paid off. He was later given drugs on credit to set up his own operation.

"But by the time of Patterson's arrest this debt had been paid, but he had carried on dealing. He chose to live this way of life, despite being immature as he was associating with others who had a passion for designer clothing and trainers and the latest mobile phone.

"Having been remanded in prison, Patterson has had time to reflect on his former lifestyle and he now realises this way of life was not worth it.

He is fully supported by his family and friends who fill the public gallery today.

"His pre-sentence report suggest that he is of a very good character and when he is released from prison, he will be able to make a fresh start. He aims to undertake a carpentry course so he can obtain gainful employment in the future."

Patterson now of Watermoor, Cirencester, pleaded guilty to the possession of cocaine and cannabis with the intent to supply to others on March 1, 2022, possessing cash as the proceeds of crime and the possession of designer goods following the conversion of the proceeds of crime into property on the same date.

Judge Michael Cullum said: "You have to be sentenced for possessing both class A and B drugs. However, that is not the full story as you also amassed around £14,000 of criminal property, £10,000 worth of designer clothing as well as having over £4,000 in cash, as a result of your drug dealing business over the few months you were operating it.

"You took to your own drug dealing business with a flourish and even employed somebody to act as your day-to-day salesman, enabling you to take a step back.

"You were making significant amounts of money from this operation. However, I accept that this is your first time in custody and I have taken into account for sentencing purposes your background, as it has been explained to me that you have not had the easiest start in life.

"I've seen the remorse you have demonstrated during the court process when many others might have buried their heads in the sand."

The judge sentenced Patterson to an immediate detention of 40 months in a young offenders' institution.

Patterson was warned that he would be the subject of a proceeds of crime application in due course.