Drug dealer jailed at Southampton Crown Court

Ebrahim Maroof was caught in a car park in the St Mary’s part of the city with an imitation firearm in his waistband.

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The 20-year-old had a mix of heroin, crack cocaine and a small quantity of cannabis with a total street value of around £280 on February 15 last year, a court heard.

Formerly of Oxford Avenue, Southampton the low-level street dealer used the “realistic” weapon to “enforce and intimidate”.

Maroof appeared before Southampton Crown Court for sentencing yesterday.

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He was previously found guilty by a jury on two counts of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and for having an imitation firearm.

Prosecution barrister, Simon Shannon, told how Maroof has a previous conviction for possessing cannabis and was slapped with a police caution later in February - again for the possession of cannabis.

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Defending, Tom Evans, argued his client is vulnerable and was homeless at the time the offences were committed having just turned 19-years-old.

Furthermore, he said Maroof might be at risk of radicalisation in prison and had in the past been sent away to an Islamic boarding school.

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Christopher Parker QC, slammed Maroof’s actions saying the gun was used to enforce and protect.

And, that he intended to intimidate other people to facilitate drug dealing.

Maroof was jailed for four years and ten months. He will be released on licence after serving half of this.