A Swansea University student has been accused of selling cannabis in order to fund his own “shocking” and “unbelievable” drug use.
Ivo Mclusky was accused of supplying other Swansea students with cannabis after spending £500 a week to support his own cannabis habit.
Mclusky, formerly from St James Gardens, Uplands in Swansea, had been bulk-buying cannabis from a large-scale supplier in order to supply to other students, according to Wales Online.
The 23 year old has pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis, the simple possession of cannabis, and the possession of criminal property (namely cash).
Prosecutor, Georgia Donoghue, conducted a search warrant of Mclusky’s home in the Uplands area in September of 2024 where police found incriminating evidence against the Swansea student.
During the search warrant five cannabis vapes were located, alongside traces of cannabis, a quantity of self-seal bags, three weighing scales, £1,370 in cash and two mobile phones.
Uplands, Swansea via Google Maps
After being asked for the passcode in order to unlock the mobile devices found, Mclusky refused as well as answering “no comment” in response to all questions asked in an interrogation interview.
However, it was heard in court that police were able to forensically examine the phones found at Mclusky’s residence which revealed that the defendant was in regular contact with someone called Joshua O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan was the name of Mclusky’s supplier, in which the Swansea student had been purchasing large quantities of cannabis, apparently by the “box” (one kilo), and “half box.”
During the investigation, it was also discovered that Mclusky and O’Sullivan had passed over £65,000 to one another, as well as messages revealing the types of strains of cannabis the defendant had been purchasing.
In September last year, O’Sullivan was sentenced to 58 months in prison for the dealing of cannabis.
A plea for Mclusky was entered due to the fact that he was a heavy user of cannabis, he did not supply more than six-and-a-half kilos of cannabis, and did not recruit any other students in the process of dealing.
Owen Williams, for Mclusky, revealed that the defendant has returned home to Oxfordshire where he is residing with his parents, employed, and with a strong support network surrounding him living a “far more stable life” than his one in Swansea.
In a pre-sentence report, the former student conveyed how he felt ashamed of his crimes by expressing his guilt.
The Swansea Crown Court judge, Huw Rees, highlighted how drugs played a significant role in the students life, and was smoking an “unbelievable” and “shocking” amount of cannabis.
The judge said: “Cannabis is damaging – whatever your view of it may be.”
Judge Rees addressed Mclusky by saying: “You have been selfish and caused pain and distress to those who have given you everything.”
It was added that Mclusky, due to his actions, has subsequently lost the “privilege” of a university education.
The 23-year-old student was sentenced to 18 months in prison, which was suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete a rehabilitation course, on top of 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.
Featured image via Google Maps
