DAVID WEAVING'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BELPER: DRUGS AND SEX OFFENDER BREACHES LEAD TO THREE-YEAR SENTENCE

A man from Belper, David Weaving, has been handed a three-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious offenses involving drugs and a breach of his sex offender registration conditions. The case highlights a troubling pattern of criminal behavior linked to drug addiction and past offenses, which culminated in a police raid that uncovered a significant quantity of illegal substances and cash.

Police executed a search warrant at Weaving's former residence in Applewood Close, Belper, on July 5 of the previous year. During the operation, officers discovered a substantial amount of class A drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine, along with other illicit substances and a considerable sum of cash. The authorities found approximately 13.72 grams of heroin with a purity of around 50%, and 2.82 grams of crack cocaine with a purity between 71% and 73%. Additionally, two morphine capsules and cannabis were seized. The total value of the drugs was estimated to be between £610 and £1,710, based on their weights and purity levels. Some of the drugs, notably heroin and crack cocaine, were found concealed in Weaving's underwear, indicating an attempt to hide the substances during the search.

In addition to the drug charges, Weaving faced allegations of breaching the conditions of his sex offender’s register. He had previously been convicted of indecently exposing himself on a primary school playing field in Belper in 2014. During that incident, he exposed himself for over 30 minutes to a couple who caught him in the act. For this offense, he received a suspended sentence of 17 weeks in a young offenders’ institution. However, since then, Weaving failed to inform police of his current whereabouts, which constituted a breach of his registration obligations.

Weaving, aged 24 and currently without a fixed address, admitted to multiple charges during his court appearance. These included possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, possession of criminal property, possession of class B drugs (cannabis), and failing to comply with the sex offender’s registration conditions. His solicitor described his circumstances as being shaped by a cycle of homelessness and drug dependency, which was exacerbated by bullying following his previous offense. This led to a lifestyle involving drugs and violence as a means of coping and paying off drug debts.

Judge Shaun Smith QC addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of Weaving’s offenses. He remarked, “Like many before him and many who will come after, you have, sometimes through your own fault and sometimes not, fallen into the world of class A drugs. Now, at the age of 24, you are facing a lengthy sentence. There are no factors that aggravate the matter but similarly there is nothing that mitigates it.” The judge’s comments underscored the seriousness of the crimes without finding any particular circumstances to lessen the sentence. Consequently, Weaving was sentenced to three years in prison, reflecting the court’s view of the severity of his actions and the need for deterrence.

Overall, the case of David Weaving from Belper serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues related to drug trafficking, the dangers of failing to adhere to sex offender registration laws, and the broader social problems associated with homelessness and substance abuse. His conviction and sentencing highlight the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat drug-related crimes and protect communities from individuals with a history of offending.