
A Liverpool private hire driver who turned to drug dealing after losing a £3,000 bet was spared an immediate prison sentence on 7 January, despite being caught with cocaine hidden in his clothing.
Joseph O’Neill, 39, was apprehended by police in Woolton on July 19, 2024, after officers witnessed a suspected transaction outside a pub. Upon being searched, police discovered £590 in cash and a bag containing 12 wraps of cocaine "sticking out of the leg of his shorts."
Confronted by officers, the father-of-six from Norris Green made a candid 11-word admission: "I only did it because I need money for the bills."
He further explained his situation at the scene, stating: "I have six kids... I pass it to the lad. He passes me more stuff. That's how it works. I started last week to get more money." However, investigators later found WhatsApp messages suggesting O'Neill’s involvement in the drug trade dated back to April.
During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, defence barrister Julian Nutter argued that O'Neill was a "minnow" in the supply chain who had succumbed to the pressure of a class A drug addiction and mounting family stresses.
Describing the defendant’s domestic life as a "horror story," Mr. Nutter highlighted O'Neill’s responsibilities as a carer for a step-daughter with cerebral palsy and a 20-month-old son requiring surgery.
"He has realised what a fool he has been and has been off those drugs since his arrest," Mr. Nutter added. "In my respectful submission, sometimes cases arise where compassion is exceptionally appropriate."
O’Neill pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
While such offences typically carry heavy custodial terms, Recorder David Knifton KC cited O'Neill's previous good character and his vital role as a carer as reasons for leniency.
Handing down a two-year sentence suspended for two years, Recorder Knifton told the defendant: "Those who choose to involve themselves in the supply of class A drugs must, save for in wholly exceptional circumstances, expect to receive substantial sentences.
"You can consider yourself exceptionally fortunate."
O’Neill was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work and adhere to a three-month electronically monitored curfew.

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