UPDATE: A taxi driver was sentenced today after being caught with £590 worth of cocaine stashed in his shorts. Joseph O’Neill, 39, confessed to police, “I only did it because I need money for the bills,” after being arrested while dealing outside a pub in Woolton on July 19, 2024.
O’Neill, a father-of-six, turned to drug dealing following a £3,000 gambling loss. Officers spotted him selling to a customer before stopping his Hyundai taxi. During the search, police found a bag of cocaine sticking out of his shorts, containing 12 wraps intended for sale at £30 each. O’Neill indicated he had already completed up to 20 drug deals that evening.
The court heard that O’Neill had been approached by an unidentified man who offered him £300 per night to sell drugs on weekends. O’Neill’s defense emphasized his previous good character and the strain of supporting a family, including children with serious health conditions.
Judge David Knifton KC highlighted O’Neill’s remorse and the impact of his actions on his family during sentencing. He received a two-year suspended sentence with 240 hours of community service and a three-month curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM. The judge remarked, “You can consider yourself exceptionally fortunate,” warning him of the severe consequences of any future offenses.
Following his arrest, O’Neill expressed regret for his actions and has reportedly been off drugs since. His partner, present in court, was visibly emotional as the sentence was delivered, underscoring the human impact of this case.
As the situation develops, O’Neill is now under strict conditions to avoid reoffending, with authorities keeping a close watch on his compliance. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.
