Three Men Jailed Following Garlands Drugs Raid
Three men have been sentenced following a drugs raid at Garlands nighclub in Liverpool, back in Februrary.
Three men have been sentenced following a drugs raid at Garlands nighclub in Liverpool, back in Februrary.
They were arrested after officers stormed the venue on Eberle Street, where they seized cocaine, MDMA, and MCAT.
Tom Hearn, 19 years, of Marl Drive, Llandudno Junction, North Wales pleaded guilty to supply of cocaine (a class A drug) to an undercover police officer on 14 December 2014. He was sentenced on Friday, 28 August to two years, three months imprisonment. Tom Parker, 20 years, of Manorbier Crescent, Walton, pleaded guilty to four counts of supply of MDMA (a class A drug) and one count of offering to supply MDMA, as well as possession with intent to supply MDMA when 390 ecstasy tablets were found in his possession when he was arrested. He was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday, 1 September) to 2 years, 3 months imprisonment. Sam Stockford, 20 years, of Donne Close, Moss Hey, Wirral, who was a dancer at Garlands at the time of the operation, pleaded guilty to three counts of being concerned in the supply of MCAT (a class B drug) in October and November 2014 and possession of MCAT. He was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday, 1 September) to eight months imprisonment. Following the sentencing Detective Inspector Steve Reardon, said;
"We welcome these three sentencings and hope they send out the strong message that we will not tolerate the supply of drugs in our pubs and clubs. "Liverpool has a well-deserved reputation as a safe and vibrant city and every weekend at least 100,000 people visit the city to enjoy the night life and we want to ensure those people leave with memories of a fantastic night out and are keen to come back time and time again. We don't want people to leave the city with the impression that it is the place to go if you want illicit drugs. "The majority of clubs and pubs in the city centre work closely with the force and manage their venues in a responsible way, contributing greatly to maintaining the city’s reputation as a great place to visit. "As a result we were given no option but to take positive action at Garlands following an extensive operation. During the operation, which was carried out over several months, officers found that Class A drugs and other substances were being openly dealt within the club." He added: "Merseyside Police is committed to reducing violent crime and making the streets safe and will not tolerate the open dealing and use of illegal drugs at night time venues in our city. We will take positive action against licensed premises who permit the open dealing of illegal drugs on their premises. “Our activity was always based on protecting the public and ensuring they could have a night out in a safe environment. “We have a duty to protect the public and we would not have been taking our responsibilities seriously if we had turned a blind eye. The supply and distribution of Class A drugs on our streets is wholly unacceptable. “Some people have a tendency to forget that the trade of these drug dealers in the clubs actually feeds those criminals involved in serious and organised crime, who often use guns to protect their trade in illicit drugs. “They prey on the vulnerable and exploit young people, who under the influence of drink don’t recognise the dangers. “There is a large student population in the city, and a fair number of these students in the first year are away from home for the first time and can be particularly vulnerable. We want to ensure our young people can enjoy the nightlife the city has to offer in safety. “We will continue to work with universities in the city to warn students about the dangers that drugs and chemicals can have, particularly if mixed with alcohol, or other substances. "Our message to those who supply drugs is clear - if you are intent on dealing drugs in the city centre we will take positive action and use all legitimate and lawful means to ensure visitors to our city stay safe."