UPDATE: A taxi driver has been caught with hundreds of pounds of cocaine stashed in his shorts, leading to a suspended prison sentence after a shocking confession. Joseph O’Neill, a father-of-six, said, “I only did it because I need money for the bills,” when arrested outside a pub in Woolton on July 19, 2024.
O’Neill, 39, reportedly turned to drug dealing after losing a staggering £3,000 bet. Authorities confirm that he was caught selling cocaine shortly after a customer exited his taxi. Police observed suspicious activity and stopped O’Neill, discovering £590 in cash and a bag containing twelve wraps of cocaine, each intended for sale at £30.
The incident unfolded when officers on patrol noticed O’Neill’s Hyundai taxi and the quick exchange between him and a customer. Prosecutors revealed that O’Neill had already completed up to 20 drug deals that night alone. O’Neill, who admitted to using cocaine since he was 18, claimed he was approached for the drug deal to cover financial woes.
“I started last week to get more money,” O’Neill confessed during police questioning.
At Liverpool Crown Court, his defense lawyer painted a picture of a man under extreme stress, managing multiple family responsibilities, including caring for children with disabilities. O’Neill’s partner, who was in tears in the public gallery, emphasized the severe impact an immediate prison sentence would have on their family.
Recorder David Knifton KC highlighted O’Neill’s remorse and previous good character before handing down a two-year suspended sentence, coupled with 240 hours of unpaid community service, a rehabilitation requirement, and a three-month electronically monitored curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM.
O’Neill, visibly relieved, closed his eyes as the verdict was delivered. He is now expected to focus on his family responsibilities while avoiding any further criminal activity. However, the judge warned that any breach of this order would lead to immediate imprisonment.
This case underscores the complex issues surrounding drug use and the desperate measures individuals may take due to financial struggles. O’Neill’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and the consequences of turning to illegal activities in times of need.
As developments unfold, the community watches closely, reflecting on the broader implications of drug-related crimes and their impact on families.
