Judge delays sentencing to allow cocaine dealer in Northern Ireland to play cricket in Australia

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In an interesting turn of events, a judge in Northern Ireland delayed the sentencing of Andrew Millar - a cocaine dealer - so that he faces no issues in travelling to Australia for a cricket trial to play for a Melbourne-based team.

If selected in the trials, Andrew Millar would get an opportunity to play the tournament in Australia until April next year, and therefore District Judge Peter King deferred passing any sentence for the next eight months.

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31-year-old Millar is the captain of a cup-winning local cricket team, has admitted to supplying cocaine as well as a number of prescription drugs including diazepam and tramadol. As reported by 'Sunday World', 11.1 grams of high-grade cocaine, three mobile phones, deal bags, a cannabis grinder, scales and a bottle of CBD oil was found from his home at Monnaboy Road in Eglinton, Co Derry.

Millar had let the cops in and “immediately" confessed to having 10 grams of cocaine. Upon arrest, he also confessed about supplying the class A cocaine to "family and friends".

The lawyer of Miller has argued that offences were a case of "social apply" and that his client has a clean past record. He has also argued that Miller has suffered emotionally after his long-term partner left him around Christmas Time last year. The lawyer also brought to the notice of the judge that Miller has a good work history and a supportive family background.

“Let me be clear where I am. If I can pass a sentence that allows him to take advantage of that offer, I would be open to that suggestion," Judge King told the lawyer after he was made aware that any custodial sentence, even if it was suspended, would put Millar’s chance of getting a visa to play in Australia at risk.

Delaying the hearing until April 16, Judge Peter King told Millar he was “within a hair’s breadth” from going to jail, but if he did not commit further offences during the deferral period, “I will deal with the case by way of a community disposal.” He also wished Andrew Millar luck for his trials in Australia, but gave a clear warning saying, “You are on your best behaviour until April.”