Lee Jones sentenced to 7 years

Lee Jones, 32, of Richmond Terrace in Brighton, failed to stop for police at about 214:00 on 14 February 2019, in the Rottingdean area and sped off. The car in question was subsequently found abandoned in Findon Road, Brighton and officers seized a small amount of cannabis and a large number of wraps of heroin and cocaine from just outside the vehicle. A jacket left at the scene was forensically examined and DNA from it matched that of the defendant. The heroin and crack cocaine packaging was also forensically matched to the defendant.

On 4 October 2019, officers located a suspect vehicle in central Brighton. It also did not stop for police and two male suspects left the the car in Queens Road at the junction with North Road and ran away.

Jones was arrested by officers nearby and found to be in possession of over £2,500 in cash. Two large wraps of heroin were recovered from the vehicle, again DNA from the packaging was matched to the defendant. He was released under investigation while enquiries into the matter continued.

On 2 November 2020, officers executed a warrant at a property in Richmond Terrace as part of the investigation. While officers were searching the premises, the defendant appeared at the front door. Next to him was a black bag containing a large quantity of heroin and cocaine and around £2,650 in cash was found on his person.

During a search of the property, officer seized a further £3,600 and further quantities of Class A drugs.

He was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin and acquiring / using / possession of criminal property.

Jones pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment.