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A group who "flooded the
streets of Sefton with Class A and Class B drugs" are banged to rights
A group who were responsible for flooding the streets of
Sefton with Class A and Class B drugs have been sentenced to a total of over 41
years in prison. 15 people were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court following the
culmination of a 10 month long undercover investigation into the supply of
heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis across the Southport, Seaforth and
Waterloo areas. Warrants were executed at addresses across Southport, Formby,
Birkdale, Litherland, Bootle and Seaforth in April as part of an ongoing
Merseyside Police Operation to tackle serious and organised crime. In addition
to the arrests cultivated cannabis was found together with hydraulic presses and
other equipment for the production of Class A drugs. Detective Inspector
Mike Dalton said:- "The sentences issued by the Court reflect the severity
of the offences and is the successful culmination of a lengthy investigation
focusing on the people responsible for serious and organised crime on the
streets of Merseyside. Our investigation was put in place after members of the
public raised concerns about drug dealing in their communities. Since the
arrests I am delighted to say that we have received feedback that these areas
have improved. This group of individuals had links to organised crime groups in
Sefton and were living a lifestyle which was well beyond their means. Now they
will serve lengthy periods of time behind bars. No one should have to put up
with drug dealing, and the associated crime it brings. I want to give the
community my reassurance that we will continue to work together to improve the
quality of life in our neighbourhoods and make our communities stronger. I would
also like to reassure that the public that we are relentless in our pursuit of
those involved in serious and organised crime and we are committed to making our
streets safer for everyone. If you are aware of drugs crime, or have information
about those involved in serious and organised crime, in your area, let us know
and we will take positive action and help you to improve your community. Calls
to Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111 are anonymous and information provided could
give us the opportunity to take positive action in your neighbourhood."
The following people have been
sentenced:-
► Kelsey Higgins, 20, from Seaforth, was sentenced to
3 years and 8 months.
► Kyle Horrocks, 20, from Bootle, was sentenced to 3
years.
► Anthony Donnelly, 38, from Liverpool, was sentenced
to 3 years and 4 months.
► Thomas Mitchell, 54, from Bootle, was sentenced to
10 months.
► Bradley Brown, 30, from Ford, was sentenced to 4
years.
► Gita Fritdenberga, 31, from Ford, was sentenced to 3
years.
► Paul Fagan, 25, from Liverpool, was sentenced to 4
years.
► Anthony Durney, 52, from Liverpool, was sentenced to
3 years.
All the above pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
► Dawn Bennett, 35, from Southport, pleaded guilty to
the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to 2 years.
► Gareth Shaw, 35, from Southport, pleaded guilty to
the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months.
► A 17 year old, from Waterloo, pleaded guilty to the
supply of Class B drugs and was given a rehabilitation order and a 6 month
curfew.
► Mark Clarke, 18, from Waterloo, has pleaded guilty
to the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, and was sentenced to 12 months in a
Young Offenders Institute.
► Aaron Curran, 21, from Waterloo, has pleaded guilty
to the supply of Class A drugs, and was sentenced to 30 months.
► Gary Ireland, 24, from Waterloo, also pleaded guilty
to the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to 31 months.
► Carl Mercer, 43, of Riddock Road, Liverpool, pleaded
guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession with intent
to supply Class B drugs and abstracting electricity and was sentenced to 5 years
and 1 month.
► Jonjo Webb, 26, from the Wirral, has pleaded guilty
to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and is due to be sentenced.
► Liam Dunn, 27, from Birkenhead, has pleaded guilty
to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and is due to be sentenced. |
