A 22-year-old man from Northumberland has been sentenced after being caught by police with a supply of “laughing gas” in the early hours of the morning.
Olly White, of Synclen Avenue in Corbridge, appeared before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this week after failing to attend a previous hearing, which had resulted in a warrant being issued for his arrest. He pleaded guilty to the possession of a Class C drug—nitrous oxide—which is now illegal to possess for recreational use.
The incident occurred on May 29, when police officers patrolling in Hexham spotted a vehicle containing White and several associates in a local car park. As the officers approached the car to investigate, the group inside immediately abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene on foot.
Officers successfully detained the group, and a search of White uncovered 11 canisters of nitrous oxide. During proceedings, prosecutor Christopher O’Brien told the court that after being taken into custody, White admitted that the substances were intended for his own personal use.
Representing the defendant, solicitor Jack Lovell informed the court that White, who is employed as a roofer, had no prior criminal convictions and was deeply disappointed to find himself facing legal action.
“He was in a car with friends and they were consuming nitrous oxide on a recreational basis,” Mr. Lovell told the magistrates, emphasizing that his client does not suffer from a broader drug dependency issue.
The court heard that White’s failure to appear at the initial hearing last month had complicated the matter, leading to his appearance in the dock while in custody. Despite the circumstances, the bench opted for leniency, handing the defendant a six-month conditional discharge.
In addition to the discharge, White was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
The case highlights the ongoing enforcement efforts by police in the region regarding the recreational use of nitrous oxide. Under current legislation, possession of the gas—commonly referred to as “laughing gas”—with the intent to wrongfully inhale it for a psychoactive effect is a criminal offence. Following the conclusion of the case, authorities reiterated their commitment to cracking down on public drug use in car parks and other communal areas across Northumberland.
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