Man Sentenced to Jail for Dealing Crack Cocaine on Worcester Towpath
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after being caught dealing crack cocaine on a towpath in Worcester. Alonso Stanfield, from Wolverhampton, made regular trips to Worcester to sell drugs as part of his involvement in county lines criminal activity. At Worcester Crown Court, Stanfield initially denied the charges against him but later changed his plea, admitting to being involved in the supply of crack cocaine and possessing criminal property.
The court heard that on March 15 of this year, police observed the canal towpath in Tallow Hill near Shrub Hill, Worcester, where Stanfield was carrying out his illegal activities. Three individuals approached him on the towpath, and an exchange took place. One of the individuals then moved to an area under a towpath bridge and began smoking crack cocaine. It was at this point that police arrested Stanfield and found cash and a burner mobile phone on him, both linked to drug dealing.
During a search of his partner’s home in Wolverhampton, authorities discovered drug paraphernalia belonging to Stanfield, including scales and three other mobile phones with sim cards. Analysis of these phones revealed a contact list of 120 people, with a significant number of them identified as class A drug users. The prosecution also revealed that a blank text message would be sent out to these users as a signal that drugs were ready to be sold.
During the arrest, police seized £780 in cash from Stanfield’s possession, and an additional £1,460 was found at his partner’s flat in Wolverhampton. In defense of Stanfield, his lawyer Balbir Singh stated that he had no previous drug convictions and acknowledged his client’s remorse for his actions. Stanfield appeared via videolink from HMP Hewell during the court proceedings.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Nicholas Cartwright emphasized that Stanfield had traveled to Worcester specifically to sell crack cocaine and highlighted the aggravating factor that he was on license for robbery at the time. The judge stated that Stanfield was fully aware of the entire drug operation and would have expected significant financial gain from his activities. Ultimately, Stanfield was sentenced to three years and three months in jail.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of county lines drug dealing, with criminals travelling across county borders to sell drugs in different areas. It is a concerning phenomenon that not only perpetuates drug addiction but also poses significant risks to the safety and well-being of communities. The sentencing of Stanfield serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are committed to tackling this issue and bringing those involved to justice.
The court’s decision to hand down a substantial sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and the detrimental effects of drug dealing on society. By dismantling county lines operations and targeting key individuals involved, law enforcement agencies aim to disrupt the supply of drugs and protect vulnerable individuals from becoming victims of drug-related harm.
Overall, this case serves as a reminder that drug dealing will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such criminal activities will face severe consequences. It also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies to effectively combat county lines drug dealing and protect our communities from the devastating effects of drug addiction.
