Ben Massey has ‘effectively not put a foot wrong’ after he was locked up for affray and assault following incidents in Redcar
09:17, 04 Jan 2026Updated 11:18, 04 Jan 2026
Ben Massey was jailed after admitting affray and ABH in two separate incidents (Image: Cleveland Police)
A teenager was caught by police after fleeing his home when officers discovered a stash of cocaine under a bedroom mattress. Ben Massey admitted one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine over the period of year when he was aged 17 and 18.
On August 19, 2024, police attended a house in Middlesbrough and it was Massey, now 20, who answered the door. The front door was locked and he returned with the key, allowing police officers inside the home.
A search was carried out and officers lifted a mattress, unveiling a bag. Massey then ran from the property, Teesside Crown Court heard. Rachel Butt, prosecuting, said: “Officers saw him throw an item in to the bushes near the address.”
He was shortly detained by an officer. Ms Butt said that inside the bag was 39 smaller bags of cocaine as well as £215 of cash. In total the cocaine amounted to 8.18grams, with an estimated street value of £780.
A mobile phone recovered by police revealed messages about dealing drugs to specific users. In one text message, there are claims that more than £1,000 was made so far.
Massey has six previous convictions for 12 offences although non related to drug dealing. In May 2025, he was jailed for 52 weeks for affray after a string of street fights broke out in Redcar High Street on July 7, 2024.
He also admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm in an incident at Aruba Nightclub in Redcar months earlier. Massey threw a glass bottle at another reveller, who he had sparked trouble with, after being asked to leave the nightclub by doormen in March last year.
Judge Deborah Ann Sherwin told Massey: “You have effectively not put a foot wrong [since your prison sentence]. Your grandmother speaks highly of you and the amount of help you give her.”
The court heard Massey has difficulties with his mental health and had a difficult upbringing. Massey, of Middleham Way, Redcar, was handed a 20 month sentence suspended for two years.
He must complete 20 rehabilitation requirement days and a two year mental health requirement. Judge Sherwin said: “I wish you good luck in putting all of this behind you. You were beginning to put a record together. I’m hopeful you have grown up.”
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