The tattooist for the local chapter of the Hells Angels is facing sentencing for drug charges, but that’s the least of his worries.

While David LaChappelle pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, the 47-year-old single father of an 18-year-old daughter faces bigger issues.

He’s got to survive long enough to make it to his Oct. 7 sentencing date before Ontario Superior Court Justice Richard Lococo.

Defence counsel Kim Edward advised court Friday that her client has a three-centimetre aneurysm in the middle of his brain that will require a risky surgery this summer. As well, LaChappelle was also recently diagnosed as having an abdominal tumour.

Federal drug prosecutor Nicholas White told court that in the massive December 2009 biker bust known as Project Manchester, LaChappelle was found in his Harmony Avenue home with nearly 20 grams of cocaine.

Police seized guns, $215,000 worth of street drugs, vehicles, a home and three commercial buildings in the raids in Hamilton and other communities.

One of the seized buildings was 269 Lottridge St., the Hamilton clubhouse for the Hells Angels at the time.

LaChappelle was ordered to have a pre-sentence report prepared for his next court appearance. Both the Crown and defence are seeking a conditional sentence of two years less a day.