Case Details
Charges
The defendant faced a significant indictment related to the commercial supply of narcotics:
2 Counts: Being Concerned in Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class A (Heroin and Crack Cocaine).
2 Counts: Possession with Intent to Supply (PWITS) Class A (Heroin and Cocaine).
Additional Counts: Possession of Class B (Cannabis) and Possession of Criminal Property (Cash)
The combination of "Being Concerned in" and "PWITS" charges reflects both the operational management of the phone line and the physical handling of the drugs.
Situation
The charges arose from an investigation into a drug line operating in North Manchester. Police investigators relied heavily on telecommunication analysis to build their case.
The data revealed that bulk messaging was occurring on a daily basis, serving as an advertisement for the sale of drugs to local users. This "broadcast" activity is often used by the Crown to demonstrate a high volume of trade and a significant role within the supply chain.
Defence Strategy
Advising on Plea & Mitigation
Facing irrefutable digital evidence of daily advertising and physical possession of drugs and cash, the defence strategy shifted to damage limitation.
We advised the client to enter Guilty pleas to all counts. Our team, instructing counsel from Libertas Chambers, focused on the sentencing exercise. We aimed to contextualise the defendant's involvement to ensure the sentence remained within the lower-to-middle range of the guidelines, despite the aggravating feature of the bulk marketing.
Outcome
Sentencing Outcome
The case concluded on 21 June 2024 at Manchester Crown Square.
The defendant was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months imprisonment. Given the starting points for "Significant Role" supply involving Class A drugs and bulk text marketing, this result reflects a standard outcome where credit for the guilty plea was secured.
