Four Men Arrested, Charged and Sentenced for Drug Offences

A gang who were arrested after the vehicles they were travelling in were stopped in Coventry were jailed at Warwick Crown Court on Thursday 22 November for a total of more than six years for drug offences.

In November 2015, officers attempted to stop a VW Golf and a Ford Transit Van on the A45 in Coventry as part of an intelligence led operation.

They managed to stop the car but the van sped off, knocking a police officer to the floor. The van was stopped a short distance away.

£15,000 in cash was seized from the car and cannabis skunk with a street value of £40,000 was seized after it had been discarded from the van.

Four men were arrested and charged following the incident and were today sentenced for drug offences.

Billy Steal also known as Lee Richard Clarke, 44, of Carpenter Path, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex, was sentenced to 23 months in prison having previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

Paul Anthony Dowman, 36, of Dandies Close, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, was sentenced to three years in prison having previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs and dangerous driving.

Levi Williams, 27, of Grafton Street, Coventry, was sentenced to 16 months in prison having previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

Luke Daniel Clarke, 22, of The Spires, Nuneaton, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs. He also pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply in connection with a different incident in May 2016. He failed to appear at court for sentencing and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Anyone with information that can help police locate Clarke should call 101.

Following the sentencing, lead investigator Detective Sergeant Richard Brown from the Warwickshire Police Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “Our streets are much safer now these prolific drug dealers are behind bars.

“This was an intelligence led operation that has led to a dangerous drugs gang being taken off the streets and the public being protected from the harm caused by the trade in illegal substances.”

Warwickshire Police’s Protect campaign was started to tackle serious and organised crime in the county and the harm it causes.

Our broad-ranging campaign comprises four key areas of activity:
•Pursue – prosecuting and disrupting those involved in SOC
•Prevent – stopping individuals from becoming involved in SOC
•Protect – increased levels of protection against SOC
•Prepare – reducing the impact of SOC where it occurs

For more information go to www.warwickshire.police.uk/protect

If you have concerns about the use or supply of drugs you can report it on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.