Drug dealer jailed despite dossier saying world will end in December
CONVICTED drug dealer Mark Burden thought it would help his case to show the judge a dossier saying the world will end on December 21.
But Burden, 49, of Union Road, Margate will have to see if his prediction comes true from behind bars.
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A drug dealer has been jailed despite presenting court with a dossier saying the world will end in December
He admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply at Canterbury Crown Court but claimed he was giving cannabis to people in pain.
Jim Harvey, prosecuting said Burden was picked up during a raid on flats in Edgar Road, Margate.
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He was not the target but was caught when a pack of cannabis fell to the floor and police noticed it.
Recovered text messages showed 960 possible transactions over a nine-day period.
Mr Harvey said: "The defendant appeared flustered and dropped a small amount of cannabis on the floor. When he was searched he was carrying 50 clear packets of cannabis."
Burden was convicted last year on charges of growing cannabis and having small amounts on him.
Phil Rowley, defending, said Burden was passionate that cannabis should be used to relieve pain.
He said: "There's no suggestion this gentleman was living high on the hog.
"He was paying for his own habit and giving away cannabis to those in pain for free.
"He maintains that the law should be changed to help people in pain. It is his genuine belief.
"He laboured under the belief that he was assisting others. He said he was sent on a mission to serve those in pain around him.
"It is the defendant's belief that he has a religious calling."
Sentencing Burden to 17 months in prison, Recorder Peter Harrison QC said he had read the dossier, which touches on the Knights Templar and St Mark's Gospel, but it did not affect his decision.
He said: "Were it your decision you would legalise cannabis, but it is not. I accept you have a belief that it aids pain relief. I am in no doubt you intended to supply an amount well above the custody threshold.
"You knew it was illegal. You have been to prison before and your methods of supply remained the same."
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