A 45-year-old father of three from Somerset Studios on Marquis Ward Street in Belfast received a 15-month prison sentence suspended for three years at Belfast Crown Court.

Gordon Todd admitted charges of offering to supply the Class A drug methamphetamine and the Class B drug GHB on August 16, 2022.

The case surfaced during a PSNI investigation into the sudden death of a male sex worker in August 2022. Examination of the deceased's phone revealed text messages exchanged between Todd and the man on August 16 and 17.

In the messages, Todd offered to share his methamphetamine, referred to as Tina, and proposed selling 50ml of GHB for £30. He stated he was near the man's address with the GHB and followed up the next day to confirm interest.

Todd initially denied offering drugs after his arrest and entered not guilty pleas. He later pleaded guilty but argued the messages were only for conversation, without intent to supply.

Judge Lynch noted the prosecution did not accept Todd's account. The court accepted no meeting occurred and no drugs changed hands. The Crown viewed it as a one-off incident, with Todd not a dealer in the usual sense.

The judge considered Todd's family background, job in the car industry, and his report of being drug-free. Todd linked his drug use to a cycling accident aimed at building social ties.

In addition to the suspended term, Todd must pay a £1,000 fine. Judge Lynch warned of custody for any re-offending within three years.