Chad Lee, a 36-year-old father from Birmingham, is set to miss crucial moments in his baby daughter’s early years after being recalled to prison. Lee was discovered storing £24,600 worth of cocaine at a Midland storage unit, according to court proceedings.
Lee, who has a ten-month-old daughter with his partner, was caught at Minworth Storage Solutions on April 10 during a police raid. Officers found 341 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, scales, a knife, and a mobile phone in his possession. Prosecutors described the amount as valued at approximately £24,640.
Previously sentenced to ten years in prison for drug trafficking in 2020, Lee had been released on licence earlier this year in 2024. However, he returned to selling class A drugs in an effort to ‘make up the loss’ from drugs seized in his prior bust, which led to his recall.
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Lee has an extensive criminal record, with 22 convictions covering 39 offences to date. His defence acknowledged little to mitigate his actions but highlighted personal factors, including the strain on his partner and the impact on his young daughter, both of whom he will be separated from for years to come.
Despite his transgressions, Lee displayed commendable behaviour in custody, assisting prison officers and mentoring fellow inmates. He currently works as a cleaner in prison, showing some signs of rehabilitation.
At Birmingham Crown Court on July 7, Lee pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and received a 44-month sentence. Judge Walkling KC emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting Lee’s previous convictions and his breach of licence conditions.
Class A drugs like cocaine carry significant social harm, and those involved in their supply often face substantial prison time. The judge ordered the destruction of the drugs and mobile phones seized during the raid.
Lee’s extended incarceration means he will not be eligible for release until 2030, underscoring the profound personal and familial costs associated with his criminal activities.