Man sentenced for drugs at Latitude Festival in Suffolk

Harry O’Brien, of Forbes Avenue, Hertfordshire, appeared remotely before Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that O’Brien, now 25, was 19 years old when he was caught with the class A drugs while attending Latitude Festival, which is held at Henham Park near Southwold, on July 13, 2018.

This was the year that Idris Elba gave a surprise DJ set, The Killers graced the stage with singer Brandon Flowers closing their set with a performance of Mr Brightside, and comedic relief was provided by the BBC quiz show QI, hosted by Sandi Toksvig, and comedian Harry Hill.

The court heard that O’Brien was found with 35 pills of MDMA, otherwise known as ecstasy, and 7.2g of cocaine, which he “immediately” told security were for his own personal use.

The original charges which were put to O’Brien were two counts of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

O'Brien appeared before Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

O’Brien had pleaded not guilty to both these offences in May 2021.

Instead, he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs on Wednesday.

In sentencing O’Brien, Judge Martyn Levett handed him a conditional discharge for 12 months, meaning that no further action will be taken unless he reoffends during this period.

“You have matured considerably, from being a young 19-year-old to a mature 25-year-old,” the judge told O’Brien.

He advised that the reason he had given O’Brien a conditional discharge rather than an unconditional was that, with the festival period fast approaching, it was relevant to place some restrictions on his behaviour.