County lines drug dealers jailed after arrest at Hartford Station

Roy Ashbrook and Daniel Dunne have been sentenced to three years in prison.

This comes after a police investigation found the pair had been bringing crack and heroin into the town from Liverpool via train.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable Dean Butterworth of the Northwich Proactive Team said: “I welcome the sentences handed to Ashbrook and Dunne and I hope that this case provides reassurance to the local community, demonstrating that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle drug-related crime in Northwich.

“During our enquires it was clear that both men were involved in County Lines drug dealing, regularly travelling to Liverpool via the railway network to collect drugs which they would then sell in Northwich.

“But thanks to our investigation their activities have now been brought to a stop and they are both facing the consequences of their actions."

Roy Ashbrook, 42, of Nicholas Avenue, Rudheath (Image: Cheshire Police)

The investigation began in June last year when police received intelligence that Ashbrook, 42, was actively dealing drugs in the Northwich area.

Reports suggested he was travelling to Liverpool via train to purchase the drugs.

Over the following months, officers monitored his movements.

On September 18 they discovered he had travelled to Liverpool once again, on this occasion joined by 29-year-old Dunne.

So, police decided to intercept the pair on their return to Northwich, with Dunne arrested first as he arrived at Hartford shortly after 5pm.

Upon his arrest, he was found in possession of a mobile phone, cannabis and a plastic box containing approximately £320 worth of Class A drugs, namely crack cocaine and heroin.

Ashbrook was arrested shortly after 10pm after returning to Hartford on a later train and found in possession of two mobile phones and around £420 cash.

During analysis of the phones officers discovered ‘flare’ messages which demonstrated they were dealing drugs.

Both men refused to answer any questions during interviews but were nevertheless charges charged with various drugs offences.

Ashbrook, of Nicholas Avenue in Rudheath, was charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Meanwhile, Dunne, of Victoria Road in Northwich, faced two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of a class B drug.

The duo both pleaded guilty to all the charges when they appeared at Chester Crown Court on October 18.

They returned to Chester Crown Court on Wednesday (February 28) to be sentenced, where they were each handed three-year sentences.

Daniel Dunne, 29, of Victoria Road, Northwich (Image: Cheshire Police)

PC Butterworth added: “I hope that this case sends out a clear message to other offenders who are planning to come to Northwich to commit crime, you will be caught, and you will be brought to justice.

“Information from the local community is vital and if you have any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in Northwich then please report it to us on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and we will take action.”