UK Judge Defers Sentencing to Allow Cricket Captain Turned Cocaine Dealer to Play in Australia

In a decision that has sparked widespread controversy, a District Judge in Northern Ireland has allowed a convicted cocaine dealer to travel to Australia to pursue a cricket career. The case revolves around Andrew Millar, a 31-year-old cricket captain, who has pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine. Despite this, Judge Peter King of Limavady Magistrates Court deferred sentencing in the case, citing the potential for Millar to seize a "lifetime opportunity" in Australia.

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Judge allows cocaine dealer to travel to Australia to play cricket  

The courtroom drama unfolded as Judge King chose to delay the sentencing until April 2025, allowing Millar to participate in trials for a Melbourne-based cricket team later this year. The judge's reasoning for the deferment was to ensure that any sentencing, even a suspended one, would not hamper Millar's chances of obtaining a visa for the tour.

Judge Peter King expressed his stance clearly during the proceedings. “If I can pass a sentence that allows him to take advantage of that offer, I would be open to that suggestion,” he stated, as quoted by Sunday World.

The decision has raised eyebrows, as Eglinton CC player Andrew Millar, who was on the verge of being jailed, has now been granted an extraordinary reprieve. Judge King emphasized that the deferment comes with strict conditions: “He was within a hair’s breadth of going to jail, but if he did not commit further offenses during the deferral period, I will deal with the case by way of a community disposal. You are on your best behaviour until April.”

Andrew Millar had pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine between March 18 and May 17 last year. He also admitted to possession of cocaine as well as a few prescription drugs including tramadol and diazepam. During a police rain at his house, 11.1 grams of class A cocaine was found. The cocaine had a purity level of 75 percent. 

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The police also seized three mobile phones from Millar's house along with a grinder, scales, and a bottle of CBD oil. After being arrested, Millar admitted to dealing cocaine and supplying it to “family and friends”. The defence counsel told Judge King that Millar “went off the rails” after his longtime girlfriend ended their relationship.