Judge lets off drug user saying ‘he should suffer no more for dabbling in cocaine’ than Michael Gove
A JUDGE let off a cocaine user after pointing out that Michael Gove had got away with the same crime.
He said the defendant should not be punished for being caught with a drug the Tory leadership contender admitted taking.
Judge Owen Davies QC gave Giedrius Arbaciauskas a 12-month conditional discharge.
He could have jailed the Lithuanian for up to seven years — but no further action will be taken if he keeps his nose clean.
Referring to Mr Gove’s previous top job at the Ministry of Justice, the judge said of Arbaciauskas: “He should suffer no more for dabbling in cocaine than should a former Lord Chancellor.”
The Sun told earlier this month that Mr Gove had revealed he had taken drugs “on several occasions at social events” long before he went into politics.
Arbaciauskas, 28, of Aveley, Essex, pleaded guilty to possessing 2g of the drug. His barrister Tim Kiely later revealed the judge’s Inner London crown court remark on Twitter and said: “Who says humour and justice don’t mix?”
It is not the first time Judge Davies has made controversial comments in the courtroom.
Last year he told jurors they would have to bring in packed lunches because Government cuts had led to the canteen being closed down.
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