County lines drug dealer who targeted Harrogate is jailed
27 year-old Lee Bavin was sentenced to more than five years in prison.
A county lines drug dealer - who brought crack cocaine and heroin into Harrogate - has been jailed for more than five years
27 year-old Lee Bavin, from Bradford, was arrested after a car was stopped by officers in September 2018 - drugs were found inside. He was arrested again in January last year in Harrogate.
Bavin’s mobile phone showed he was linked to a prolific ‘county line’ that was operating between Bradford and Harrogate offering drugs for sale through mass text messaging.
During a police investigation, Bavin came to the attention of the police on a number of occasions.
He was charged with two counts of possessing heroin with intent to supply, one of possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply, and one of possessing a class C drug (methandienone) with intent to supply.
He changed his plea to guilty to all offences when he appeared at court in November 2020.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Tom Barker of Harrogate’s Operation Expedite Team, said: “Lee Bavin is a prolific offender who showed no regard whatsoever to police action. I am hopeful that while he is in prison he is able to reflect on the crimes he has committed and receives help to rectify his criminal behaviour.
“Drug dealing causes misery in our communities we hope local people are reassured that we are committed to disrupting it and taking those responsible off the streets.
“We urge anyone with information to continue to report information about drug dealing in their area. It’s vital in helping us piece together the bigger picture. No matter how insignificant you think the information is, please call us. And if you don’t want to speak to us, you can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers.”