Rodney MacRobert caught with a hacksaw, an axe and a bag of cannabis bush

Rodney MacRobert, 38, was caught with a hacksaw, an axe and a bag of cannabis bush on Bolckow Road, Grangetown, on June 10 last year.He said he was on his way to Corus to steal copper cable to sell as scrap.In a search of his home on South Terrace, South Bank, the next day, officers found 14 £10 bags of amphetamine, totalling 12.4g.They also discovered more cannabis, electronic scales, a diary containing lists of names and figures and £65 cash.This, as well as texts on his mobile phone, were consistent with drug dealing, prosecutor Patricia Mancina told Teesside Crown Court.
MacRobert told police he sold amphetamine to fund his habit, dealt for a week-and-a-half, and borrowed from his mother to buy his stock.
MacRobert admitted possession of the Class B drug with intent to supply, possession of cannabis and going equipped for theft.He also breached a community order imposed in January 2007 for possession of Class A, B and C drugs and allowing his home to be use for the sale of amphetamine - which he said he was bullied into after finds of magic mushrooms, amphetamine and cannabis in a police raid.Kristian Mills, defending, said MacRobert had been addicted to amphetamines for ten years, but had now stopped taking the drug.MacRobert was abandoned by his parents as a child and spiralled into crime and drugs. He breached the community order because he went to the Worthing area to care for his terminally ill father.Judge Peter Armstrong told MacRobert: “You’re on the brink of going to prison.”But he suspended a nine-month jail sentence for two years with supervision.He added: “Your future’s in your hands.”