UPDATE: A taxi driver was caught with hundreds of pounds of cocaine in his shorts, leading to a dramatic confession that he needed money to pay family bills. Joseph O’Neill, a father of six, admitted to police, “I only did it because I need money for the bills,” as he faced serious charges in Liverpool Crown Court after being apprehended on July 19, 2024.
The shocking incident unfolded when police noticed O’Neill, 39, leaving a pub in the Woolton area before getting into his Hyundai taxi. Just moments later, he was stopped by officers on Menlove Avenue and discovered with £590 in cash. But the real turning point came when police observed a “bag sticking out of the leg of his shorts,” revealing 12 wraps of cocaine, each intended for sale at £30.
O’Neill’s admission to police revealed the desperate circumstances that led him to deal drugs. After losing a substantial £3,000 in a bet, he was approached by someone offering him £300 a night to sell drugs. A series of WhatsApp messages indicated that he had been involved in cocaine supply dating back to April 12 of this year.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Christopher Taylor stated that O’Neill had likely completed up to 20 drug deals that evening alone. In his defense, lawyer Julian Nutter emphasized O’Neill’s previous good character and the severe impact that immediate imprisonment would have on his family, including his partner and their children, one of whom has special needs.
O’Neill’s plea of guilty led to a sentence of a two-year imprisonment, suspended for two years, along with 240 hours of unpaid work and a three-month electronically monitored curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM. As the judge, Recorder David Knifton KC, noted his remorse and the significant family responsibilities he carries, O’Neill appeared visibly relieved, while his partner broke down in tears in the public gallery.
“This is a horror story for any parent,” Nutter remarked, highlighting the strain on O’Neill’s family due to his actions. The court heard that O’Neill had been addicted to cocaine since he was 18, yet had previously refused opportunities to sell drugs. He now recognizes the gravity of his choices and has ceased his drug use since the arrest.
With a supportive family present in court, O’Neill’s defense highlighted the dire circumstances that led to his involvement in drug dealing. He remains employed as both an electrician and taxi driver, striving to support his large family amid challenging conditions.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by individuals in desperate situations. The community awaits further developments as O’Neill embarks on his rehabilitation process and seeks to rectify his past mistakes.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
