24-year-old cannabis dealer jailed after 24th conviction

Friday 18 February 2022

A 24-year-old cannabis dealer, who was introduced to the "world of drugs" aged just nine, has been sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment - after his 24th conviction.

Jobe Ashley Robert Le Jehan pleaded guilty to the three offences of possession with intent to supply cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of criminal property namely cash received from selling cannabis.

He appeared before the Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq, in the Royal Court for sentencing on Friday morning.

On 16 July 2021, police executed a search warrant at Le Jehan’s home. During their search, officers found a set of digital scales, 133g of cannabis and £1,130 in cash at the property. Le Jehan was arrested at 06:40 that morning.

The street value of the 133g of cannabis was estimated to be up to £3,400.

Police also seized a black iPhone which belonged to Le Jehan. Messages on the phone indicated that he was an “efficient, street-level drug dealer”, according to police.

During an interview with police, Le Jehan explained that he would buy cannabis at £20 per gram in bulk and then sell it on for a £5 profit.

Pictured: Le Jehan provided police with the pin number to his iPhone, which contained evidence indicating his involvement in drug dealing.

Advocate Julia-Ann Dix, representing the defendant, suggested that her client “accepted full responsibility” for his actions which had been proven his early guilty plea.

It was further noted that Le Jehan had responded in a “candid and honest” manner to all inquiries relating to the charges, including providing police with the pin number to his mobile phone.

A reduction from a suggested 16-month sentence to 12 was called for, and it was suggested that Le Jehan had been under pressure to deal cannabis to fund his own addiction to the drug.

Pictured: The defendant’s lawyer suggested that her client sold cannabis to “fund his own addiction”.

Advocate Dix said that Le Jehan’s difficult childhood should be taken into account, with his father having exposed him to the "world of drugs" when he was aged just nine.

After retiring to consider the case, the Court upheld the Crown’s suggested sentence of 16 months.

Having received 23 previous convictions - eight of which being drug-related, Mr Le Jehan was deemed to have a “high risk of reoffending”. 

The Bailiff was hopeful however that Mr Le Jehan would be able to use the next year-and-a-half in prison to start turning his life around.

“For the first time,” said the Bailiff, “you seem to be taking ownership for what you do.”

“You should take advantage of all the help that La Moye can offer you and use the time to start a clean life and find a better path."

It was noted that Mr Le Jehan had enjoyed his recent time working as a painter and decorator.

Pictured: The States of Jersey Police are committed to keeping "illegal drugs and the misery they bring" off the streets.

Detective Sergeant Jim McGranahan, who is head of the States of Jersey Police's Drug Squad, commented: “We are committed to keeping illegal drugs, and those who deal in the misery these drugs bring, off our island's streets.

“We continue to work together with the Law Officers Department to ensure that the hard work put into each operation pays off and that justice is served.”

Pictured top: Jobe Le Jehan (24) was sentenced to 16 months in prison for possession and supply of 133g of cannabis.