DRUG DEALER PLEADS GUILTY TO OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL
A man involved in an online drug distribution network and who exploited a teenage girl in 2021 has entered a guilty plea at Hull Crown Court on Monday (19 May).David Young, aged 55 and residing on Greylees Avenue in Hull, confessed to paying for sexual services involving a minor, participating in the supply of class B drugs, and possessing such drugs with the intent to distribute.
The investigation started in November 2021 after authorities received intelligence about illegal drug activities linked to a social media profile.
Authorities discovered that a man managing a social media page linked to drug sales was actively providing substances and engaging in explicit online exchanges with a girl aged 16.
Further digital communications revealed that meetings were planned, initially for buying cannabis but later expanded to include exchanging drugs and money for sex acts.
The messages also included requests for nude images, with explicit photos exchanged during interactions with the underage girl.
On 24 January 2022, Young was detained on charges of paying for sexual services of a minor and being involved in the supply of class B drugs.
Authorities searched a property on Alexandra Court, Hull, where they seized herbal cannabis, cannabis edibles, baking equipment, and pricing tools apparently linked to Young’s drug operations.
The street value of the confiscated drugs was estimated at over £6,000.
A forensic review of Young’s mobile phone uncovered additional evidence, including marketing messages, product lists, and price information related to his drug distribution activities.
At Hull Crown Court on 19 August 2024, he admitted to supplying and possessing class B drugs with intent to distribute.
Detective Sergeant Stuart Fox, leading the Child Sexual Exploitation team, commented: 'David Young used a social media account not only to distribute illegal substances but also to manipulate, coerce, and exploit a vulnerable teenage girl.
Initially, he pleaded guilty to drug charges but denied paying for sexual services of a minor.
He then delayed admitting this offence for exactly nine months before finally pleading guilty, which prolonged the victim’s suffering and delayed justice.
The patience and bravery of the victim and their family have been crucial in bringing Young to account.' He continued: 'Thanks to thorough investigations, we built a clear picture of Young's illegal activities, leading to his guilty plea.
While this cannot undo the harm caused, it is a significant step in holding him responsible.
We remain committed to prosecuting offenders and raising awareness about the dangers of online platforms used for criminal purposes.
We urge anyone with concerns or knowledge about similar activity to report it.
Victims and witnesses of such crimes are encouraged to contact us via non-emergency 101 or call 999 if immediate assistance is needed.'
