Three people sentenced after supplying drugs to children in Wirral

An investigation was set up by police after officers were made aware of incidents between March and May last year where young children had been hospitalised after taking ecstasy tablets.

The children involved were between the ages of 12 and 16.

As a result of the investigation the two main suppliers were identified along with a number of teenagers, some of whom have intentionally supplied the drugs to their friends.

Craig Banks, 40, of Wheatland Lane, Seacombe and Dominic Evans, 21, of Norman Street, Birkenhead, were identified as the two males who were dealing the drugs.

During a year-long multi-agency investigation, which received the support of the NHS, local schools and the local authority, police officers recovered quantities of ecstasy tablets, cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis and TFMPP - a recreational drug sold under the name ‘Legal X’.

In February 2018 raids were varied out linked to Banks and Evans, resulting in further quantities of Class A and B drugs being recovered.

During an earlier court hearing Craig Banks pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs namely ecstasy and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs namely ecstasy.

He was sentenced to six years, nine months in prison.

Dominic Evans pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs namely ecstasy; being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs namely cannabis; possession of a controlled drug with intention to supply - Class A ecstasy; possession of a controlled drug with intention to supply - Class B cannabis; Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs namely cocaine.

He was sentenced to four years, eight months in prison.

As a result of the investigation Banks’ partner Cody Davies, 23, of Wheatland Lane, Seacombe, was also arrested.

She pleaded guilty to Possession of a Class B drug namely amphetamine and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug namely amphetamine. There is no evidence she supplied drugs to children. She was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Detective Inspector Paul Lamb said: "Today’s result comes on the back of a lengthy multi-agency investigation looking into drug supply in the Wirral.

"We know a number of children were taken to hospital after taking these drugs and it is only by good fortune that we did not have a fatality as a result.

"We know that the children were also sharing the tablets, largely because they are afraid of taking them on their own, but they need to understand that by passing a Class A drug on to another child amounts to supplying.

“A number of children were either cautioned or charged as a result of this investigation.

"Other children were also taking them through peer pressure and parents need to reassure their children that it is the right thing to say 'No' and resist this pressure.

“I hope that these sentences send home the message that drug dealing with not be tolerated and that Merseyside Police will take every step within its powers to find the people responsible for dealing drugs and bring them to justice."

Anyone with information about drug dealing in their area is asked to DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone worried that their children are using or thinking about using drugs can contact the drugs advisory service FRANK at www.talktofrank.com

Four teenagers – a 15 year-old boy, a 15 year-old girl and two 13 year-old girls were charged with supplying Class A drugs as a result of the investigation.

A 16 year-old girl was also given a caution for supply of a controlled drug.