Two jailed after admitting supply of drugs

Two men who were found to have been involved in the supply and distribution of crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis across Leicester have been jailed.

The crimes of Ashley Bates, Robert Elliott and Alfie Moore were uncovered by officers over several months, leading to all three men being arrested on 30 August last year.

A search of their addresses uncovered large quantities of cash, drugs and paraphernalia used in the supply of illegal substances, such as scales and small plastic bags.

Crucially, a number of mobile phones were recovered which contained text messages that revealed all three had been involved in selling drugs.

On 22 November last year, at Leicester Crown Court, Bates – of Tedworth Green, Leicester – pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – crack cocaine and heroin – one count of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug – cannabis and one count of acquiring/using/possessing criminal property.

At a further hearing on 17 January this year Elliott, of Wheatland Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – crack cocaine and heroin – one count of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug – cannabis and one count of acquiring/using/possessing criminal property.

Moore, of Millwood Close, Leicester, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class B drug - cannabis.

Today, Thursday (30 March), at the same court:

• Bates, 24, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison. He was also given a forfeiture order for the seized phone, drugs and cash to the value of £5,965.20
• Elliott, 24, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. He was also given a forfeiture order for the seized phone, drugs and cash to the value of £5,827.27.
• Moore, 19, was given a 15 month prison sentence suspended for two years.

PC Nick Bird and PC Jay Thakrar who both worked on the investigation, said: “We take all reports regarding drug-dealing extremely seriously and will act on any information received.

“We want to ensure that our communities remain safe and are committed to disrupting the supply of illegal substances onto our streets.

“We hope the public can take some reassurance from the fact these three criminals have been identified and admitted their crimes.”