Rabbi used drugs and prostitutes

Baruch Chalomish denies two counts of intent to supply the drug

A rabbi from Salford developed a £1,000-a-week cocaine habit and visited prostitutes to cope with his wife's sudden death, a court has heard.

Rabbi Baruch Chalomish, of Upper Park Road, 54, admits two counts of possessing cocaine, but denies two of possession with intent to supply.

Manchester Crown Court was told he became an alcoholic and cocaine addict when his wife died in 1996.

Police found 101g (3.6oz) of cocaine and £17,000 cash at his flat.

Defence counsel Jonathan Goldberg QC, described Mr Chalomish as a "broken man" who was a pillar of the community in Salford until his arrest.

The rabbi is a property developer said to be worth £5m, the court heard.

The jury heard he and his late wife, Frieda, had pushed envelopes of money through the doors of Jewish people and donated £70,000 each year to a relative's charity.

'Cocaine supply'

Mr Goldberg said the grandfather-of-nine spent £1,000 a week on cocaine, much of which he bought from his co-accused, Nasir Abbas.

Mr Abbas, 54, faces one charge of possessing cocaine and one of possession with intent to supply.

He failed to turn up to the trial and is being hunted by police.

Mr Goldberg said the rabbi had no need to deal in drugs because he was a wealthy man motivated by "depression and bereavement".

"He's a hoarder and he wanted to have his supply at home in order that he shouldn't run out.

"He was using prostitutes and Abbas was arranging them for him," added Mr Goldberg.

Earlier in the trial, Michael Goldwater, prosecuting, said police found both defendants at an apartment during a raid on 5 January. Police found £3,000 worth of cocaine.

Forms showed the flat was rented in the name of Mr Abbas.

The prosecution alleges the pair were running a "commercial cocaine supply operation" from the property.

The trial continues.