Four men, who were involved in a class A drug conspiracy that operated between Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent, have been sentenced.

The conspiracy ran between June and November 2020 and involved the supply of heroin and crack cocaine transported into the Stoke-on-Trent area for street dealing.

The group used a dedicated drug line known as the 'Jack line' and safe houses in the city to avoid detection.

Staffordshire Police said that following a "complex investigation and a series of coordinated warrants, four men were arrested and charged".

All four were sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday (9 February) after they pleaded guilty ahead of a trial.

Gary Hewitt, 27, from Halewood, Liverpool, has been jailed for eight-years-and-one-month for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Adam Wilson, 29, from St Helens, Merseyside, has been jailed for three-years-and-nine-months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

James Renshaw, 23, from Halewood, Liverpool, has been jailed for two-and-a-half-years for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

advertisement

Simon Minor, 49, from Talke, Stoke-on-Trent, has been handed a 20-month suspended sentence for supplying a class A drug (crack cocaine) and allowing his premises to be used.

Detective Superintendent Victoria Downing, from the Staffordshire Police major and organised crime department, said: "This group ran a well-organised supply chain that moved dangerous class A drugs from Liverpool into Stoke-on-Trent, fuelling addiction, exploitation and violence in our communities.

"These outcomes demonstrate our commitment to dismantling county-line networks and bringing those responsible before the courts.

"We will continue to target organised crime relentlessly and encourage the public to report any information that may help protect those at risk."

The court heard how Hewitt was the holder of the 'Jack line', operating in Liverpool, and recruiting and directing others from the city to supply drugs on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent.

In June 2020, Wilson travelled from Liverpool to Stoke-on-Trent.

He based himself in the flat of a drug user sold heroin and crack cocaine to other local users, directed by Hewitt.

In October 2020, Renshaw also travelled to Stoke-on-Trent from Liverpool and sold class A drugs, again directed by Hewitt.

advertisement