Berkshire-based organised crime group sentenced for drug offences
Eight men from the Ascot area have received jail terms
Eight men have been sentenced for conspiracy to supply cocaine, ecstasy, 2 C-B, cannabis and ketamine in Ascot.
On 21 September 2021 a large-scale operation was carried out in which approximately £40,000 in cash, 630g of Cocaine, 750g of cannabis, 890g of Ketamine, 230g of ecstasy and 70 tablets of 2 C-B were seized.
All eight men were arrested and charged on the same day.
They pleaded guilty to the offences at Reading Crown Court, and were sentenced on 5 April at the same court.
Sentences
Maximillian Jones, aged 26, of Truss Hill Rd, Sunninghill, Joseph Hall, aged 27, of Heath Park Drive, Windlesham, Surrey, Joshua Parker, aged 27, of Woodmill Court, Ascot and Bailey Martin, aged 20, of Rise Rd, Sunningdale pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs – namely cocaine, ecstasy and 2 C-B and two counts of conspiracy to supply class B drugs – namely cannabis and ketamine. Jones was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, Hall was sentenced to seven years and 10 months imprisonment and Parker was sentenced to seven years’ and 10 months’ imprisonment. Martin was sentenced to three years’ and eight months’ at a young offenders institute.
Matthew Wignall, aged 24, of St Georges Lane, Ascot and Michael Connolly, aged 26, of Cavendish Meads, Ascot pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs – namely ecstasy and 2 C-B and two counts of conspiracy to supply class B drugs – namely cannabis and ketamine. Wignall was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment and Connolly was sentenced to four years’ and four months’ imprisonment.
George Saunders, aged 28, of King Edwards Rd, Ascot pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply class B drugs – namely ketamine. He was sentenced to three years’ and four months’ imprisonment.
Giancarlot Barot, aged 40, of Cavendish Meads, Ascot pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply class B drugs – namely cannabis. He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year.
Senior Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Alexandra Horne, based at Maidenhead police station, said:
“Thames Valley Police are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who cause harm to the public.
“This organised crime group worked as a cooperative who were selling a variety of drugs in various quantities intent on making as much profit as possible for their own gain. They had no regard to the public safety or the community it affected.
“This is a great result which has been an exemplary example of collaborative work involving hundreds of officers, across multiple departments and external agencies.
“I want to thank all those involved for their efforts in achieving this result and want to assure the public that we are dedicated in the disruption and prosecution of organised crime groups.”