R v Thomas

This case involved Rick Thomas, who pleaded guilty to multiple counts of drug-related offenses, including cultivation, supply, and importation of cannabis in St Helena.

• Rick Thomas pleaded guilty to cultivation, supply, and importation of cannabis.
• Police discovered 21 cannabis plants at his property.
• Thomas attempted to evade police, leading to a dangerous driving incident.
• Significant evidence of drug dealing and importation was found on his phone.
• Thomas was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months of imprisonment.

Rick Thomas pleaded guilty on 30 August 2023 to three counts of a seven-count indictment. These counts included the cultivation of 21 cannabis plants on 4 June 2023, being concerned in the supply of cannabis between 23 November 2022 and 5 June 2023, and the importation of cannabis into St Helena between 21 January and 3 February 2023.

On 4 June 2023, police attended Thomas's property to serve a warning notice in an unrelated matter. Upon arrival, PC Craig Williams noticed several small cannabis plants growing near the door. A total of 21 immature plants were recovered and identified as cannabis. The following day, officers attempted to locate Thomas and found him driving a red Ford Fiesta. Thomas tried to flee, resulting in a dangerous driving incident where he nearly ran over PC Williams.

The abandoned car was later searched, revealing cannabis seeds, grow bags, a mobile phone, and a bank statement with significant financial transactions. Thomas was eventually arrested on the Longwood Golf Course after another attempt to flee. A search of his property uncovered a substantial amount of cannabis, weighing scales, plastic bags, cash, and a 'dealer's list.'

During his interview, Thomas provided 'no comment' responses and claimed the seized items were for personal use. He was charged with cultivation, possession with intent to supply, and dangerous driving. A financial analysis revealed large cash deposits and transfers to South Africa, linked to drug trafficking activities. A phone download provided extensive evidence of drug dealing and importation.

Messages on Thomas's phone indicated he had been involved in the supply of cannabis since at least November 2022. Evidence also showed he had imported cannabis from South Africa via the MV Helena. Thomas was charged with additional offenses of importation and supply on 9 August 2023.

Thomas entered a guilty plea on 30 August 2023. The court found that Thomas played a leading role in the importation and supply of cannabis, directing and organizing the operation on a commercial scale. The total weight of cannabis involved was around 5 kilograms. The court sentenced Thomas to 2 years and 8 months of imprisonment for each offense, to run concurrently.

The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all seized drug-related items and made a confiscation order for the proceeds of drug trafficking. Thomas was required to pay a total of £24,492.17 within six months, with a default term of 12 months imprisonment if unpaid.