A 24-year-old man from Darlington has been granted a 'last chance' by Durham Crown Court after breaching a suspended sentence for importing 20kg of cannabis.
Kyle Nimmo was originally arrested at Heathrow Airport last September after customs officers discovered 32 vacuum-packed packages of the drug in his luggage upon his return from Bangkok. Nimmo claimed he had been coerced into acting as a 'drug mule' to settle a £12,000 debt under threats of violence.
In May, Nimmo received a 17-month sentence, suspended for two years, at Isleworth Crown Court. However, he recently appeared before Durham Crown Court for failing to complete mandatory rehabilitation days and unpaid work requirements.
Defence counsel Chris Morrison noted that Nimmo has since found employment in construction and is attempting to 'better himself' following a difficult period that included the loss of two friends.
Judge Edward Legard acknowledged the defendant's recent efforts to re-engage with the Probation Service but issued a stern warning: 'You are testing the patience of the courts. If you fail to comply with the rest of the order, it’s almost certain that you would be going straight to prison.'
Nimmo was fined £500 for the breach and must complete the remainder of his original sentence.
Source: The Northern Echo
