Judge warns crystal meth dealers in the city

Sentencing a drug dealer specialising in methamphetamine to over 9 years in prison Judge Jeremy Gold QC warned that the drug was becoming increasingly common and other dealers could expect harsh treatment [or some would say fair treatment] if they are caught.

Ashley Richardson, 29, from Springfield Road was sentenced to 9 years and 4 months after breaching a 22 month suspended prison sentence that he was given last year for possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. It was the second suspended sentence he had received for drug related offences.

He was caught by undercover police officers after advertising his wares on the gay dating app Grindr using the slang term 'Tina' for crystal meth.

Sentencing Richardson Judge Gold said; “Citizens of this city and gay citizens in particular who are particularly vulnerable to being drawn into using this pernicious and highly addictive drug expect suitable punishment to be meted out to drug dealers like you."