The court heard Ben Massey had a difficult upbringing with six previous convictions for 12 offences
Husna Anjum and Poppy Kennedy
14:10, 04 Jan 2026
Ben Massey, now 20, admitted one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine over the period of year when he was between 17 and 18-years-old(Image: Cleveland Police)
A teenager fled his home after police found a bag of cocaine under his mattress. Ben Massey, now 20, admitted one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine over the period of year when he was between 17 and 18 years old.
The young man was living in Middlesborough when police visited the property on August 19, 2024. Massey answered the door but it was locked, he left and returned with a key letting the police in.
After searching around police lifted a mattress revealing a bag, leading Massey to run from the property, TeesideLive reports.
Rachel Butt, prosecuting, said in Teeside Crown Court: “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.
Inside the bag was 39 smaller bags of cocaine as well as £215 of cash(Image: BPM)
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 none 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.”