Man jailed for drugs supply offences in Chester

A man who continued to deal drugs in Chester while on bail for the same offences has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Daniel Stockton, of Vicars Cross Road, Great Boughton, Chester, appeared in Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 29 August.

The 32-year-old was sentenced to 90 months for being concerned in the supply of cocaine, cannabis, and class C drugs.

Stockton was originally identified by police as part of an investigation into the supply of cannabis across Chester.

A mobile number attributed to him showed messages concerning the supply of drugs and a warrant was carried out at an address in Egerton Street, Chester, on 27 September 2022.

Mobile phones belonging to Stockton were seized containing further evidence relating to the supply of drugs and he was invited for a voluntary interview.

He was then summonsed to court and remained on unconditional bail following his first hearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 14 July 2023.

However, this did not deter Stockton and on Friday 28 July, officers executed a further warrant at the same address and found evidence of further dealing.

Police found a phone under the mattress in the bedroom, plus a further phone, a quantity of cash, and a set of scales.

The phone which had been found under the mattress was examined and was found to contain drug supply messages.

Stockton was subsequently arrested for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and class C drugs – diazepam and zopiclone - and charged on the same day.

He appeared at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 29 July where he pleaded guilty.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Stuart Needham said:

“Despite Stockton being charged with drugs supply offences, this didn’t stop him from trying to continue his illegal behaviour.

“But this didn’t go unnoticed by our teams who secured further evidence against him to bring him back to court.

“This case is a prime example of police targeting individuals who think that once they are charged, they are no longer under the spotlight.

“Our fight against illegal drugs is never over, and we would urge anyone who has any information about this happening in their community to contact us via 101 or through our website.”