A MAN and a woman who dealt class A drugs in Warrington have been sentenced to a total of eight and a half years.
Steven Willoughby, aged 25, of Birch Green in Skelmersdale and Emma Matthewman, aged 47, of Dickenson Street in Warrington were both found guilty of possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine at Chester Crown Court.
Matthewman received four and a half years and Willoughby will serve four years in prison.
The court heard detectives from Warrington raided Matthewman’s home on Dickenson Street.
Officers had become suspicious when Willoughby’s phone would constantly be ringing and suspected him of being involved in drug dealing.
Following a thorough search of Matthewman’s home officers recovered drugs paraphernalia, cash, foil as well as a large kitchen knife and hammer.
Further searches in the living room also found a number of mobile phones, a quantity of cash and a piece of paper with weights and amounts written on.
It is believed Willoughby was involved in ‘county lines’ drug activity and used his mobile phone – also known as a ‘graft’ or a ‘line’ – to extend his criminal drug dealing from Liverpool into Cheshire.
Detective Sergeant Tom Hall, of Warrington CID, said: “The sentences handed to Willoughby and Matthewman show the huge and positive steps we are taking to disrupt those who commit drug dealing in Warrington.
“The investigation saw us seize 72 deals of heroin and crack cocaine as well as a taser.
“With the public’s continued support in providing us with key information to help us tackle serious and organised crime, we can help keep vulnerable people and our communities safe.
“I hope this reassures the local community that we will act on any information that is given to us and I want to take this opportunity to encourage the public to speak to us if you feel drug activity is taking place in your area.”
