A drugs dealer who refused to go to the toilet for 16 days to avoid producing the evidence that would convict him has been jailed for 52 months today. Damien Ankrah, aged 28, was arrested on July 13th on suspicion of transporting heroin by placing the drugs in condoms and placing them inside himself.
Police became even more suspicious when he refused food or drink in his cell at Pembroke Dock police station, west Wales. An officer was stationed full time outside his cell door and police used special legislation to keep him in custody beyond the normal time limits.
Ankrah began to accept drinks only but after local magistrates granted a further extension of time for his detention on July 17th he started to eat small quantities of food. But he kept his legs crossed until July 29th, when he finally came clean and produced five bags of heroin.
Ankrah, of Leeds Street, Liverpool, admitted possessing 16.02 grams of heroin, with a street value of £3,200, with intent to supply. It was his third offence for drug trafficking. David Lindsay, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court that Ankrah's stubbornness took up an "inordinate" amount of police time and resources.
Ankrah's barrister, Jim Davis, said he client "was a man of some strength and determination" as his refusal to go to the toilet for so long illustrated.
Judge Peter Heywood said Ankrah's refusal to go to the toilet for 16 days - thereby endangering his own life - showed how determined he was to keep the heroin concealed. "It was rather misguided and it could have been fatal. Had these packages burst he would have found himself at death's door.
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