Three men have been sentenced at Worcester Crown Court for a total of more than 16 years in prison for drugs offences.
Keith Hill, aged 47, of Ridgemoor Road, Leominster, was stopped by officers on June 30, 2020, while driving a van in Leominster. A quantity of heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine was found hidden under a seat. A search of his home was later carried out and officers seized a torch which was a fully working stun gun. Keith Hill was bailed for further enquiries.
While officers investigated Hill’s offences they discovered he was involved in transporting Class A drugs from Liverpool into Herefordshire. He then used others to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine throughout the county.
On 12 March 2021, officers carried out four simultaneous search warrants in Leominster and Kington as part of the investigation. In total officers recovered just under 1kg of Class A Drugs which had a potential street value of approximately £100,000. Equipment used to compress the drugs was also found at one of the properties as well as £7,000 in cash.
Lewis Plant, aged 22 of Hawkins Court, Hereford and Bradley Reader, aged 20 of Tan Y Bryn, Holyhead, were both distributing Class A drugs in Leominster and Hereford and were arrested as part of the operation. Keith Hill was also further arrested at that time.
Hill was sentenced on Thursday 5 August to 12 years – reduced to 9 years for an early guilty plea – for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of criminal property.
Plant was sentenced to 6 years – reduced to 4 years 10 months for an early guilty plea – for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Reader was sentenced to 3 years – reduced to 2 years 3 months for an early guilty plea – for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
(Keith Hill pictured above)
(Lewis Plant pictured above)
(Bradley Reader pictured above)
Detective Inspector Matt Cartwright said: “Following the initial arrest of Keith Hill we were able to identify that he was distributing drugs throughout Herefordshire.
“I welcome the sentences handed down to these three men. It demonstrates that we will not tolerate any form of drug dealing and those caught should expect a severe prison sentence.
“Tackling drugs and organised crime is a force priority and we will continue to pursue those involved. Our teams have worked tirelessly to uncover this county line and the criminality within it. We continue to work closely with our communities who share vital intelligence with us so that we can help protect people from harm.
“I urge anyone who is concerned that drug dealing is happening in their street or town to please contact us, or alternatively Crimestoppers – an independent charity – and we will investigate.”
West Mercia Police’s Protect campaign aims to tackle serious and organised crime together and is underpinned by a four P principle – Pursue, Prevent, Protect and Prepare.
If you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.
