Taken from the Doncaster Star


Ex-Eagles star's cocaine conviction


Former Eagles player: Dale Laughton, 39


Date: 16 February 2009
A FORMER Sheffield Eagles player is facing a possible jail sentence after being convicted of possessing cocaine.
Dale Laughton was cleared, after a short trial at Sheffield Crown Court, of a further charge of possessing the drug with intent to supply at a village music festival in Carlton, Barnsley.

The former prop forward helped the Eagles beat Wigan in the Rugby League Challenge Cup final in 1998 in the biggest upset of all time in the sport.

The 39-year-old was charged with supplying cocaine after two police officers saw Laughton, who was helping out with security at the festival in August, hand over the keys of his sister's car to a friend. The police seized the keys and found the VW Bora a mile away outside the Sturdy Lads pub.

They discovered 32 grammes of cocaine with a street value of £1,463 in a plastic Tupperware box underneath the driver's seat.

There were plastic bags, a spoon and scales inside the container.

Another set of scales was found hidden in a door compartment.

Prosecutor Chris Tonge said: "The defendant had all that he needed to sell cocaine."

But Laughton, of Dodworth, Barnsley, said the stash was for his own use and he would take a bag of cocaine with him for a night out. He said he bought large quantities of the drug because it was cheaper.

John Hillis, defending, said he did not lead the extravagant lifestyle of a drug dealer and the police had not produced mobile phone records to prove it.

Laughton regularly withdrew cash from his bank account to pay for his habit.

Mr Hillis said: "He has consistently said he is a user and not a seller."

Laughton was found not guilty of possession with intent to supply but convicted of possession.

The hearing was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and the judge, Mr Recorder Paul Reid, warned Laughton: "All sentencing options will be explored.