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02
Jul
Ripon drug-dealer jailed for more than five years
A Ripon drug-dealer has been jailed after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and ketamine.
Joe Lee Windle, 27, of Ure Bank Terrace, was detained by police officers near Boroughbridge in October 2023 after they stopped and searched a vehicle he was travelling in. During the search, officers recovered cash and a quantity of Class A drugs.
Further enquiries led officers to search an address linked to Windle, where additional Class A and Class B drugs were discovered and seized. During the investigation, messages recovered from Windle's mobile phone indicated that he was involved in the supply of illegal drugs in the local area.
Several months later, on Friday, February 23, 2024, officers patrolling the Westcliffe area of Ripon spotted Windle. When he noticed the officers, Windle attempted to escape on foot. He was quickly detained and searched, and officers found he had cash and an assortment of drugs in his possession.
Following a full investigation, Windle was charged with several offences relating to the possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
At York Crown Court yesterday (July 1), Windle pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years and six months' imprisonment.
Sergeant Savannah Knighton, of North Yorkshire Police, said:
I welcome the custodial sentence handed to Windle, which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the damage that illegal drugs can cause to individuals, families and communities.
Those who choose to profit from the supply of drugs should be under no illusion that we will pursue them relentlessly. We are committed to disrupting drug-related crime, removing harmful substances from our streets and bringing offenders before the courts.
This result sends a clear message that drug-dealing has no place in North Yorkshire, and we will continue to take robust action against anyone involved in it.
North Yorkshire Police urges anyone with information about suspected drug-related crime to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.
Anyone preferring to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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