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Rabbi cleared of dealing cocaine Rabbi cleared of dealing cocaine
(20 minutes later)
A multi-millionaire rabbi who took part in cocaine-fuelled parties with prostitutes has been cleared by a court of dealing drugs.A multi-millionaire rabbi who took part in cocaine-fuelled parties with prostitutes has been cleared by a court of dealing drugs.
Rabbi Baruch Chalomish, 54, of Salford, spent £1,000 a week on the drug, Manchester Crown Court heard.Rabbi Baruch Chalomish, 54, of Salford, spent £1,000 a week on the drug, Manchester Crown Court heard.
Chalomish admitted possessing cocaine and was found guilty of a further count of possession but cleared of two counts of possession with intent to supply.Chalomish admitted possessing cocaine and was found guilty of a further count of possession but cleared of two counts of possession with intent to supply.
Chalomish, of Upper Park Road, is due to be sentenced on 17 December.Chalomish, of Upper Park Road, is due to be sentenced on 17 December.
The rabbi had been accused of financing a drug-dealing business with his friend and co-accused Nasir Abbas, the jury was told.
Co-accused on run
The court was told during the six-day trial that Chalomish, an "eminent and leading" member of the Manchester Jewish community, had spiralled into a lifestyle of drugs and sex following the sudden death of his first wife.
Abbas, 54, described as the "leading player" in organising the parties, said to have been attended by GPs and surgeons, failed to turn up for the trial and is now on the run.
He was convicted of one count of possession and one count of supply and jailed in his absence for six years.
Judge Michael Henshell told Chalomish he had in mind a community penalty after being told members of the defendant's own community will help him get rehabilitation for his drug and alcohol use.
On 5 January police raided a city centre apartment in Manchester rented by Abbas and used for the cocaine parties.
The rabbi's home was also raided and at both properties cocaine and large amounts of cash were seized.
Chalomish sobbed as he told a jury he was "deeply ashamed" of snorting the drug and did it only to stop feeling depressed and lonely after the death of his wife, Freda, 40, in 1996.