Two drug dealers jailed thanks to information from the public

Two men have been jailed for drug dealing thanks to information from a member of the public.

Charlie Farrell and Louis Clayton appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 10th February, when they were sentenced to a total of eight years in prison.

Farrell, 21, of Dingle Lane, Kelsall, was jailed for five years after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A & B drugs, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Clayton, 32, of Maplewood, Southdene, Kirkby, was sentenced to three years in prison after he admitted being concerned in the supply of Class A & B drugs.

The court heard how on Thursday 14th August 2025, a local resident had taken their young daughter to the car park on Yeld Lane, so she could ride her bike.

While she was at the car park, she noticed a silver Mercedes which was parked, and a man was sat inside the car.

As her daughter was riding their bike, an Audi then pulled up in the car park. The occupant of the Mercedes then exited his car and got into the back of the Audi, before quickly exiting the car and returning to his own vehicle.

Believing that a drug deal was taking place, the woman decided to take a picture of the Audi as the car was leaving the car park.

Realising what the woman had done, the driver of the car started to verbally abuse the woman, before driving their vehicle towards the woman’s daughter and knocking her off her bike.

Thankfully, the child escaped with only minor injuries and the incident subsequently reported to police.

Following the report, officers were quickly able to identify that the car had been driven by Charlie Farrell.

Farrell was well known to officers, and was already under investigation by detectives in Cheshire in relation to drug dealing involving Louis Clayton.

Investigations had shown that the pair were in regular contact with each other and mobile phone data suggested that they had been sending flare messages advertising the sale of illegal drugs.

The pair were subsequently arrested in relation to the offences. During questioning they denied any involvement in drug dealing, before refusing to answer any of the questions put to them by officers.

Despite their silence, both Farrell and Clayton pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Roy Wellings, of Chester Proactive CID said:

“Firstly, I would like to thank the member of the public for the information that they provided. While we never advise people to put themselves at risk, the information they gave proved vital in our investigation.

“Drugs have a hugely detrimental impact on our communities, causing widespread misery, which is why we’re committed to cutting off supplies of illegal drugs and removing dealers from our streets.

“I welcome the sentences that have been handed to Farrell and Clayton and I hope they provides reassurance for local residents.

“While Farrell and Clayton are now behind bars, but our fight against criminals continues." 

Anyone who has any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in their communities to contact us on 101, via the website at: 

www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

Pictured - Charlie Farrell and Louis Clayton.