Drug dealer jailed after being caught with machete

Leonard Howard, 20, from Swindon, has been sent back to jail

A drug dealer has been sent back to jail after being caught with a machete two weeks after he had been released from prison.

Leonard Howard, 20, of Harding Street, Swindon, was spotted wearing a black balaclava and riding an illegal e-bike in the Upham Road area on 10 June.

He was arrested and found to be in possession of a large machete concealed in his trousers.

Howard, who pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place, was jailed for two years and six months on 3 September.

'Fear amongst residents'

During a search of an address linked to Howard, officers found a significant amount of heroin, cash, and further drugs paraphernalia associated with the supply of drugs.

Swindon Crown Court heard that evidence was also found on Howard’s mobile phone which suggested he was involved in the supply of class A drugs in Swindon.

PC Aidan Hillier, of Wiltshire Police's serious youth gang violence team, said: “Just two weeks after being released from prison, Howard thought it was acceptable to be in possession of a machete in public and had been involved in the supply of class A drugs to vulnerable people in Swindon.

"We understand the public are concerned when they see people riding around on illegal electric bikes wearing balaclavas - it causes fear of harm amongst residents and that is why creating safer public spaces is a force priority.

“I therefore welcome the custodial sentence he has been given."