A 27-year-old Albanian man has avoided prison in the UK, despite admitting involvement in the distribution of cocaine and possession of a false identity travel document.
Urim Morina was sentenced to two years and four months in prison, but Judge James Bromige decided to suspend the sentence for a period of three years. The decision not to immediately send him behind bars took into account his family circumstances, while also citing the prison overcrowding situation.
According to British media, Morina had entered the UK illegally using a travel document in another name. The court was told that he had been sent to Britain by his father in the hope that he could build a better life.
The 27-year-old ended up under investigation after police searched his apartment in March, as part of an investigation related to a group involved in drug trafficking.
No drugs were found in the home during the operation, but officers seized around £700 and a mobile phone. Data found on the device, according to investigators, showed that Morina had been involved in the supply of cocaine over a period spanning around 18 months. Authorities also found a travel document issued under a different identity.
One factor that influenced the decision to suspend the sentence was the health of the 27-year-old’s partner. The court heard that she suffers from depression and chronic pain and that Morina plays a significant role in caring for her and the family. He does the cooking and housework, and accompanies his partner to medical appointments.
The defense also argued that Morina had no previous convictions and that he had completed several educational and professional qualifications while in Britain.
The judge assessed that, in addition to illegal entry into the country and the offenses for which he pleaded guilty in this case, the young man had shown the ability to work and integrate.
In the end, Morina was not sent to prison, but was ordered to perform 175 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation, while his prison sentence will remain suspended for three years.
Commenting on the matter, the British Ministry of Justice emphasized that sentencing decisions are the responsibility of independent judges, while underlining that imprisonment will continue to be used for perpetrators considered dangerous.