Drug dealer who continued selling substances after police arrested him is jailed for more than two years
William Caird was arrested by police - and went straight back to drug dealing once he was released.
A drug dealer who “ignored the warning signs” and continued to sell substances after being arrested by police has been put behind bars.
William Caird, 27 from Salvadori Gardens, Chichester, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court for six charges related to “street-level” drug supply.
The court was told that Caird was stopped by police in February 2024, after officers noted he was sitting in his car in a well-known dealing location, with the smell of cannabis wafting from his vehicle. He was found to have 247g of ketamine with a street value of more than £2,400, as well as a “significant” amount of cannabis, and was arrested - later being released under investigation.
In October 2025, Caird was stopped by police once again, this time having 93g of cannabis but also 103 “ready-made” bags of cocaine, a Class A drug.
The majority of Caird’s offending centred around Class B drugs, with messages on his phone showing he felt there was more money to be made there, rather than selling Class A substances.
In mitigation, the court heard how Caird had been struggling with drug addiction at the time of his offending, but had since kicked his addiction. He had also been living with his family, caring for his father and a grandparent with dementia. The defendant and his loved ones wrote letters to the judge ahead of his appearance in court.
Sentencing, Judge Michael Bowes KC said: “Initially you were stopped in 2024 for the supply of drugs. You knew perfectly well what you were doing, but continued supplying drugs, including some element of Class A.
“I do accept that, in your case, you were predominantly dealing with Class B drugs; your cocaine dealing was modest, with few sales.
“But you ignored the warning signs in 2024, and went on to supply further drugs. You had a very good upbringing, but fell into the world of drug addiction, before starting to sell them for commercial gain.
“I have read your letter expressing remorse, and you have taken significant steps to sort yourself out.”
Wearing a dark suit and yellow tie in the dock, Caird was sentenced to 27 months in prison. All drugs, paraphernalia and cash seized by police were forfeited and destroyed.