Video: Criminal gang from Manchester jailed over Scarborough drugs conspiracy

Members of a criminal gang from Manchester who conspired to peddle class A drugs in Yorkshire coastal town have been jailed for almost 20 years.

The gang was brought to justice following an extensive investigation that lasted more than three years and saw North Yorkshire Police work closely with officers in Manchester.

Detectives pieced together a web of evidence, including complicated mobile phone information, to build up a picture of how the organised crime group supplied cocaine in Scarborough during 2013 and 2014.

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Five members of the gang were sentenced at York Crown Court yesterday for their roles.

Four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and one admitted being concerned in their supply.

Arrest warrants have been issued for further two members of the gang, who failed to attend court and were convicted of conspiracy to supply in their absence.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Chapman, who led the case, said : “This gang looked to target vulnerable people in Scarborough without any care for the damage drugs cause.

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“Drugs ruin communities – they harm people, they harm businesses, they harm tourism and they put a huge burden on community facilities such as healthcare.

“These sentences send a very strong message that Scarborough is in no way a soft touch when it comes to crime and we will take action, regardless of how far away criminals operate from or where they are based. Distance is not a barrier for us.

“I’m delighted with the sentences that have been handed to these individuals. It shows that the courts are as keen to get these offenders out of circulation as we are, which helps us continue to tackle the drug-related crime that blights communities.”

The sentences

Jack Ashcroft, 28, of Dean Brook Close, Manchester - jailed for six years, three months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

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Blaise Woolfe, 25, of Stockton Drive, Failsworth, Manchester - jailed for four-and-a-half years being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Ashley Farnell, 22, of The Fairway, New Moston, Manchester - jailed for three years, four months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Drew McCormick, 20, of Lynthorpe Road, Manchester - jailed for two-and-a-half years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Jamie McKenna, 19, of Edgeware Road, Oldham - jailed for one-and-a-half years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

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Sonny Elms, 24, of Mansfield Road, Manchester - both convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Warrant issued for arrest.

Paul Heaton, 26, of Sidney Road, Manchester - both convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Warrant issued for arrest.