A DRIVER discovered to be hiding a haul of drugs including £300 worth of ketamine, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing today (Tuesday).

Albert Pragnell, 21, of St Mary's Road, Cowes, earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of drug possession and one count of being concerned in the supply of ketamine.

The court heard how Pragnell had been stopped by police as he drove through Newport, where they discovered 28 grams of ketamine worth £300.

Prosecutor Ann Smout said: "When police spoke to Pragnell, they noticed he was overly nervous.

"After searching his car they found 28 grams of ketamine, 0.47 grams of MDMA and four tabs of LSD.

"In interview, he told police he had paid £300 for the ketamine. He maintained it was purely for his own personal use.

"However, an examination of his phone revealed texts from potential buyers saying things like, 'you got any k?'

"He now accepts he has been concerned in the supply of ketamine."

Barry Arnett, defending, said: "He was involved in drugs but, fortunately, all that is in the past.

"With the support of his family he is now completely drug free."

Pragnell was given a 20-week custodial sentence suspended for 24 months, and a two-month curfew from 9pm to 6am.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of £150 and a surcharge of £122.

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