Drug dealer who hid in loft after running away from police jailed for 12-and-a-half years
A drug dealer who fled the scene of a collision and hid in a loft to try and evade police has been jailed for more than a decade.
Jay Dean Matthews fled the scene of the crash on August 21, 2024 after driving away from police when they indicated for him to stop.
Officers found the damaged BMW X3 outside an address where they found the 29-year-old hiding in a loft.
With him was a backpack with cocaine, MDMA, LSD and cannabis.
Mobile phone investigations and tests of the drugs revealed Matthews, of Stockton, was involved in the wholesale supply of cannabis and cocaine.
He was jailed for 12-and-a-half years earlier this week after being sentenced for dangerous driving and supplying cocaine, ecstasy, LSD and cannabis.
A statement from Cleveland Police said: “The investigative team did a fantastic job of collating evidence to ensure Matthews’ conviction and substantial sentence.
“He was supplying large amounts of drugs in the area, causing misery to those who dealers prey on.
“Taking another dealer from our streets should strengthen our fight against drugs and the violent crime and antisocial behaviour that comes with drug dealing and drugs activity.”