Drug dealer found with machete and cannabis walks free from Swindon court

A drug dealer who was caught with a bag full of cannabis and a machete down his trousers in Swindon has been sentenced.

Keaon O’Brien, 18, of Hanbury Road, Park South, was spotted illegally riding a Surron e-bike at speed through Swindon town centre during the busy festive period.

He was tracked to a store in Havelock Street, where he was stopped and safely apprehended by Swindon neighbourhood officers.

A machete was found on him, while his backpack contained a bag with around 500g of cannabis inside.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of a machete, careless driving, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and riding without a helmet.

He pleaded guilty, and at a hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court he was sentenced to 16-weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

He is also required to complete rehabilitation requirement days. The drugs, weapon and e-bike were also seized and destroyed.

Neighbourhood PC David Thompson said: “O’Brien was riding an illegal e-bike at high speed through Swindon, putting numerous members of the public at risk who were out doing their Christmas shopping.

“O’Brien had previously been stopped by an officer riding an illegally adapted e-bike near the railway village. This bike was a death trap, with a battery and wires taped and cable tied to the frame. On that occasion he was found in possession of drugs and a mobile phone which contained evidence he was selling cannabis.

“Just two months later, he was seen yet again riding a Surron electric motorbike through the pedestrianised area of the town centre. These bikes need a licence and insurance to be ridden legally, neither of which O’Brien had.

“Not only that but he had a bag full of illegal drugs and a machete down his trousers.

“There can be no excuse for this and we are determined to clamp down on those dealing drugs in our communities.

“We fully understand the public concern around youths on fast electric bikes, which have often been illegally modified to be capable of faster speeds while also being lighter.

“Under Op Jetsom, a force wide operation to target the use of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, we will continue to stop and seize e-bikes from those riding them illegally.”