Photo: Sefton Street drug raid
Two people from Southport jailed for supplying class A drugs
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.
Fifteen 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 today 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.
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“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:
Dawn Bennett, 35, of Manchester Road, Southport, pleaded guilty to the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to two years
Gareth Shaw, 35, of Sefton Street, Southport, pleaded guilty to the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to three years and four months
Kelsey Higgins, 20, of Elm Gardens, Seaforth, was sentenced to three years and eight months
Kyle Horrocks, 20, of Argos Place, Bootle, was sentenced to three years
Anthony Donnelly, 38, of Pennington Road, Liverpool, was sentenced to three years and four months
Thomas Mitchell, 54, of Merton Road, Bootle, was sentenced to 10 months
Bradley Brown, 30, of Lonsdale Road, Ford, was sentenced to four years
Gita Fritdenberga, 31, of Lonsdale Road, Ford, was sentenced to three years
Paul Fagan, 25, of Hillcrest Road, Liverpool, was sentenced to four years
Anthony Durney, 52, of Cherry Lane, Liverpool, was sentenced to three years
All the above pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
A 17 year-old from Waterloo, pleaded guilty to the supply of Class B drugs and was given a rehabilitation order and a six month curfew
Mark Clarke, 18, of Oxford Road, Waterloo, 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, of Denmark Street, Waterloo, pleaded guilty to the supply of Class A drugs, and was sentenced to 30 months
Gary Ireland, 24, of Alexandra Road, Waterloo, 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 five years and one month
Jonjo Webb, 26, of Bridge Meadow Road, Wirral, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and is due to be sentenced on July 5.
Liam Dunn, 27, of Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and is due to be sentenced on July 5.
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