Drug dealer jailed

seized £20m of cocaine on the M6 which they had arranged for a dealer to deliver to Warrington from Kent.

Detective Inspector Rob Balfour, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Money and greed are the driving force of organised crime. We will always investigate people that cause misery in our communities and showcase a lavish lifestyle.

“All three women knew where the money was coming from and they took full advantage of it by spending it on lavish holidays and goods. They reaped the rewards of the organised crime group, led by family members who were making their money from their extensive drug dealing all over the UK.

“These women could not legitimately make the money they wanted or needed to live the lifestyle they quickly became accustomed to, so turned a blind eye to where the money was coming from and just continued living the high life.

“Ellie Tobin’s prison sentence should be seen as a warning that if you do not face up to what you have done, you risk prison. Kathryn Walker and Ann Hartley admitted responsibility and their sentences were suspended.

“Ellie Tobin, even after pleading guilty, continued to blame others and tried to distance herself from the criminality. This coupled with a conviction for council tax fraud during the conspiracy period in which she attempted to save money on her council tax while the organised crime group were at their height meant she now faces a period in custody which may have been avoided if she had faced up to what she had done at an earlier stage.”

The gang’s ringleaders, Alan and John Tobin were jailed earlier this year, receiving sentences of 20 years and 19 years and eight months respectively.

● Above, Helen Hartley – also known as Ellie Tobin – was jailed after living a life of luxury on the money made by her drug dealer husband Alan Tobin. Left, her mum, Ann Hartley

● John Tobin was jailed for 19 years and 18 months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs earlier this year ● Left, John Tobin’s partner Kathryn Walker, 37, also admitted possessing criminal property last week ● Above, source of the profits: drugs found in a van on the M6 which led to the brothers’ convictions and last week’s subsequent admissions

● Alan Tobin: the husband of Helen Hartley was jailed for 20 years earlier this year after his drug ‘empire’ unravelled following his arrest