Gang Sentenced to 46 Years for Supplying Drugs and Exploiting Children in Essex-Brighton Operation, UK
Seven individuals have been handed prison sentences totaling 46 years and four months after a two-year investigation into the trafficking of crack cocaine and heroin from Essex into Brighton. This includes six individuals from Essex itself.
In a rare outcome highlighted by Sussex Police, eight defendants were found guilty of modern slavery offenses against four children. One individual is still awaiting sentencing.
Termed as the second phase of the HECTOR line, which was previously dismantled after a two-year operation that resulted in the imprisonment of ten men for over 64 years, the police were aware of the drugs line being reinstituted with new leaders toward the end of 2020.
A thorough investigation uncovered that the operations were being orchestrated by five senior figures in Essex, namely Thomas Warwick, Gary Goodwin, Jayden Henry-Flavien, Liam Harvey, and Harley Roberts. Additionally, three others were found to be involved in transportation, supporting the criminal conspiracy, and the trafficking of people and drugs.
Further revelations pointed to Dean Warrington, Cris Donovan, and Nicola McKenzie, who had allowed the gang to use her premises in Brighton as a base of operations. Sussex Police spokesperson revealed that the investigation also uncovered that four children had been exploited and forced into drug dealing in Brighton and Hove.
Warrington and Donovan were responsible for transporting the children to Brighton, and in some instances, McKenzie permitted them to stay at her property. The four children, identified as victims, were promptly provided with the necessary safeguarding support.
Throughout their three-month operation of the HECTOR line, the gang supplied approximately 8,000 drug wraps in Brighton and Hove, amounting to a street value of around £80,000. All the defendants were arrested in various operations conducted between October 2020 and the summer of 2021.
Subsequently, they were charged with conspiracy to commit modern slavery offenses related to the exploitation of children, as well as conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
All eight defendants pleaded guilty to all charges brought against them. The sentencing, which took place at Hove Crown Court on Thursday, resulted in the following sentences:
– Cris Donovan, 31, from Bishops Hall Road, Essex, received five years imprisonment.
– Gary Goodwin, 23, from Eastwood Road, Essex, received seven years imprisonment.
– Liam Harvey, 25, from Hermitage Drive, Essex, received eight and a half years imprisonment.
– Jayden Henry-Flavien, 31, from Bellhouse Road, Southend-on-Sea, received eight years imprisonment, in addition to a current sentence for drug offenses in Essex.
– Nicola McKenzie, 49, from Ingram Crescent West, Brighton, received 24 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, along with 200 hours of unpaid work and 15 hours of rehabilitation.
– Dean Warrington, 47, from Pamplins, Essex, received four and a half years imprisonment.
– Thomas Warwick, 32, from Prospect Close, Southend-on-Sea, received 11 years imprisonment, including a current sentence for drug offenses in Essex.
Harley Roberts, 25, from Havalon Close, Essex, will face sentencing at a later date. Additionally, five members of the gang have been subjected to slavery and trafficking prevention orders for ten years.
During the sentencing, Judge Mooney remarked that the gang regarded the exploited children as disposable pawns, with no regard for the potential risks of violence they faced while supplying drugs to desperate addicts.
Detective Superintendent Kris Ottery praised the use of modern slavery legislation in this case, underscoring the commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals affected by the illegal drug trade. County Lines, such as this operation, not only ensnares innocent people but also wreaks havoc on communities beyond the harmful substances themselves.
Sussex Police recognized the collaborative efforts of their investigative team, the Metropolitan Police, Essex Police, and various community agencies for their comprehensive and complex work. Through this investigation, countless people have been protected from the gang’s harmful trade, and the streets of Sussex have become safer for everyone involved.
