A south Essex drug-dealer has been remanded into custody after he was back selling cocaine just days after being spared prison for the same offence.
Perry Scopes, 39, formerly of Elm Road in Grays, pleaded guilty to dealing the Class A drug whilst subject to a suspended sentence.
He appeared at Southend Crown Court on Friday (August 15) alongside Darren Shrubb, 55, of Broadway in Grays.
Both men admitted being concerned in the supply.
Judge Samantha Cohen recognised Scopes, having sentenced him for the same offence last June.
He was given an 18-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, on June 14, 2024.
He has now pleaded guilty to continuing to sell the drug between June 13, 2024, and July 9, 2025.
Judge Cohen jailed him on the spot and warned him to expect a custodial sentence this time around.
In addition to cocaine dealing, Scopes was caught in possession of cannabis.
When she last sentenced him, Judge Cohen said, he had admitted “extensive cannabis use” but had strongly denied being a user of Class A.
A defence barrister claimed he had since fallen into cocaine use as well.
“It is the reason he is here today,” the lawyer said. “Paying for that addiction to both cannabis and cocaine.”
The judge ordered pre-sentence reports on both defendants.
“These are – as you know, both of you – serious offences,” she said.
“I have to warn both of you that a custodial sentence is the most likely outcome. But I do want to know more about you. In particular, I want to know about your drug use.
“I would like you to be honest and frank with the probation service when they speak to you.”
She granted Shrubb bail until sentencing, but sent Scopes immediately to jail.
“You are to be remanded in custody, certainly until sentence,” she told him.
“I’m getting remanded today?” he asked, looking surprised.
“Yes,” she replied, curtly.
Both men will be sentenced in October.
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