A JUDGE has jailed eight people, for their part in a Bradford-based drugs ring which operated “as a criminal business” in another West Yorkshire town.

Leeds Crown Court heard for three months, until police smashed the organisation, dealers were sent daily across to Castleford carrying wraps of heroin and crack cocaine ready to supply the Class A drugs to customers.

Thousands of orders were phoned in on two “ring and bring” numbers and if supplies ran out, couriers were simply sent over from Bradford with more “stock”.

Jailing Liam David Rayner, described as the lead organiser, for nine years seven months, Judge Simon Phillips QC said although the majority of the gang lived in Bradford they had taken their “pernicious trade down the M62” to Castleford.

“The trade was relentless, day-in, day-out involving the exploitation of individuals whose drug habits and addiction meant this was highly profitable for those involved in the activities.”

The drugs taken over were already in individual wraps and different vehicles were used to discourage detection as the street dealers operated from 10am to 7am each day.

He said when street dealers were arrested replacements were quickly provided so the commercial operation was not “significantly interrupted.”

Judge Phillips said when arrests were made at the start of some days during the three months, the street dealers were found to have more than 100 wraps each, suggesting at the very least a kilogramme of the drugs were supplied over the three months.

Rayner, 27, of Dorchester Crescent, Holme Wood, Bradford admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs between April to July last year. He had a previous conviction for possessing heroin with intent to supply.

Frankie Coleman, 21, of Kaycell Street, Bradford, was jailed for seven years four months; his brother Dean Patrick Coleman, 27, of Dawson Street, Bierley, Bradford, received six years nine months and John Boy West, 23, of Knowles View, Holme Wood, Bradford, was jailed for five years three months after each admitted the Class A conspiracy charge.

Rebecca Nunney, 43, of Dence Green, Bradford who was found guilty by a jury of the conspiracy was jailed for three years six months.

Billy Joe Irwin, 37, of Cleaver Street, Burnley was jailed for three years and Anne Marie Bird, 34 of the same address received two years eight months after both admitted conspiracy.

Dawn Cobb, 40, of Mickle Court, Castleford, who also admitted conspiracy was jailed for two years six months.

Georgia Lowther, 19, of Hyne Avenue, Bradford was given two years in jail suspended for two years with 30 rehabilitation days and 300 hours unpaid work.

Bobbi Louise Russell, 19, of Ferrand Avenue, Bierley, was also sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years with 30 activity days. Both admitted conspiracy.

Georga Louise Sykes, 23, of Melford Street, Bradford, who was convicted by a jury of conspiracy was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for 18 months with ten activity days and two months curfew from 7am to 7pm.

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Detective Inspector Ian Bryar, of Bradford District Police, said: "This group were running a sophisticated operation to supply Class A drugs across West Yorkshire and beyond and I would like to thank everyone involved for their excellent work.

"This is further proof of what can be achieved when we work in partnership to take action against those who involve themselves with the supply of illegal substances.

"The supply of drugs is a scourge on our communities and we will continue to tackle it and bring those involved before the courts.

"Anyone with suspicions about those involved in the supply of drugs can report it to their local officers, or if they would prefer to do so anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."