A JUDGE has condemned prosecutors over the way they dealt with a drugs case involving two teenagers.

Judge Christopher Ball QC told the two 19-year-olds he was sure they were both dealing in cannabis after police found the drug at a house in Colchester.

He told them: “It is perfectly apparent to anyone with half a brain, but not a CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) lawyer, that the two of you were making available a cocktail of drugs to your circle of friends.”

Ifo Omereh was charged with possessing the drug with intent to supply and his girlfriend, Natasha Elliott, was charged with possession of a small amount of cannabis.

Judge Ball said he believed the pair could have been charged with more serious offences.

He told Chelmsford Crown Court he wanted a written report from the Crown Prosecution Service over how the two were charged.

The court heard Omereh told police he was holding cannabis and cash for a friend, and was later charged with possessing the drug with intent to supply.

Elliott was charged with possession after police went to a house in Fir Tree Close, Colchester, on January 10 last year.

Officers found 108g of cannabis, as well as a rucksack containing about £1,000 and a list containing phone numbers and drugs slang.

A mobile phone recovered later contained a number of messages, which Judge Ball said referred to drugs deals.

He told Omereh: “You suggested in your account you were holding the drugs and cash for a friend. That explanation I do not accept.

“I have not the least doubt you were supplying a circle of friends with cannabis, but I cannot sentence you for what you have not been charged with.”

Omereh, of Kingfisher Close, Colchester, was sent to a young offenders’ institution for 18 months after he admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Elliott, of Aveline Road, Ardleigh, admitted possessing less than a gramme of cannabis and was fined £135, plus £150 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Judge Ball told her: “The reality is you should be going down for 18 months because you were in it together.”

David Howell, mitigating for Omereh, said he had stupidly agreed to look after the drugs for someone else and was to be paid £100.

Elliott’s solicitor, Roger Brice, said she had admitted the possession charge at the first opportunity and this was her first offence.

He said she was a talented artist with an exhibition opening shortly in Colchester.