Police in warning after drugs gang is locked up
OFFICERS HAIL LONG JAIL SENTENCES HANDED DOWN TO MEMBERS
A SEVEN-STRONG Huddersfield gang is starting lengthy sentences for their parts in supplying Class A drugs to the streets of Kirklees.
Sentences in excess of 37 years have been handed down to members of the huge drugs conspiracy scheme masterminded in Huddersfield.
Two ringleaders from the Crosland Moor and Marsh areas were given 13 and 14 years for their parts in the criminal activities of the organised crime gang. West Yorkshire Police investigators have hailed the long sentences and warned others to steer clear of causing misery in our communities.
The six men and one woman were all convicted at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, March 13, for their involvement in drug dealing around Kirklees during 2018.
The group were arrested as part of an operation by the Kirklees District Precision Organised Crime Team and all pleaded guilty at court.
Those convicted:
Darren Judge, 29, of Blackmoorfoot Road, Huddersfield, was jailed for 13 years seven months for supplying class A drugs and possession of a class A drug with the intent to supply.
Rhys Judge, 27, of Westbourne Road, Huddersfield, was jailed for 14 years for possession with intent to supply drugs and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Joe Garbutt, 19, of Deer Croft Crescent, Salendine Nook, was jailed for 28 months for supplying class A drugs and possession with the intent to supply a class A drug.
Marcus Quashie, 23, of Hollin Terrace, Marsh, was jailed for 33 months for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
Karl David, 25, of Hyde Park Road, Leeds, was jailed for 33 months for supplying a class A drug.
A 21-year-old Huddersfield woman was given a suspended 19-month sentence for money laundering.
Neil Jennings, 36, of St Annes Square, Holmfirth, was sentenced to 28 months for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
Two of those jailed were gang members involved in a horrific machete fight.
Garbutt was already locked up for ramming a youth with a car during the “ferocious” street attack on Quashie, which saw him stabbed with machetes while he sat in his car in Marsh in March 2019.
The jury during that trial heard that Quashie only survived the “frenzied and sustained” knifing after quick medical intervention. He was reportedly left with life changing injuries, including a fractured spine.
Police investigations into the drugs line began after officers executed a warrant at a house in Huddersfield in June 2018 and located cash and a small amount of Class A drugs.
Officers also located a larger amount of Class A drugs in a vehicle and arrested Darren Judge, Neil Jennings and the 21-year-old woman on suspicion of drugs offences.
Subsequent enquiries revealed the existence of a larger drugs supply network in the town and led to a further seven persons being arrested. Det Insp Diane Johnson, of Programme Precision in Kirklees, said: “We were very pleased to see significant sentences given at court to these individuals for their role in what was a significant organised drugs line supplying Class A drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Huddersfield.
“These sentences should stand as a real example of the lengthy custodial penalties those who become involved in this kind of behaviour can face for becoming involved in the kind of street drug dealing which causes misery in our communities.
“This drugs line was identified following a lengthy investigation led by PC Connor of the Programme Precision Team, with the evidence gathered proving so substantial that the seven defendants dealt with all pleaded guilty to the offences they were charged with.”
Anyone who has information about drug dealing in their communities is urged to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reports to Crimestoppers can be made in total anonymity and all intelligence is investigated.