Man caught dealing drugs outside cinema jailed for 4 years

A 24-YEAR-OLD man from Runcorn has been jailed after being caught dealing drugs outside a Runcorn cinema.

Gareth Davies, 24, of Cartwright Street off Halton Road, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs Class A cocaine and Class B cannabis during the afternoon on Tuesday, June 13, outside Cineworld in Trident Retail Park near Runcorn Shopping City.

Detective Sergeant Rob McLoughlin said a search of the suspect’s home address and a vehicle uncovered more drugs paraphernalia.

DS McLoughlin said the subsequent examination of Davies’s mobile telephone revealed text messages which the sentencing judge later said suggested the drugs were for onward supply.

Davies was charged and remanded into custody following initial arrest.

The defendant appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, July 12, where he pleaded guilty.

He was sentenced to three years and nine months for the drug offences.

Davies was also dealt with for a separate dangerous driving offence, receiving nine months imprisonment consecutive to the drug offences, along with a five-year driving ban.

Dawn Taylor, investigating officer, said: “We will not tolerate drug dealing in the community, we will continue to take positive action against offenders.

“The sentence imposed reflects the severity of the offence and how seriously the police and courts take drug dealing.” The maximum prison sentence for supplying cocaine is life and for cannabis 14 years. Both charges can also invoke an unlimited fine. Residents can report drug dealing or suspicious behaviour to Cheshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers on

0800 555 111.