Sheffield men 'who tried to dodge police' sentenced after pub drugs raid

Raymond Swindells, 37 and Ashley Griffiths, 25, were arrested during a targeted search in a Mosborough pub in 2018.

Swindles bolted for the back doors when officers entered the pub on October 18 and was then quickly arrested.

PC Sarah Morton said: “We noticed how quickly Swindells reacted when he saw our officers at the bar, but unfortunately for him there wasn’t a clear escape route.

“He was searched, with officers finding a large amount of cash in his bag, a wad of snap seal bags and a black Nokia phone.

"He was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

“Swindells was in the company of a second man, Ashley Griffiths, who was later shown on CCTV to have also dashed to the back of the pub on our arrival.

“Whilst officers moved around the pub, our drugs dog indicated on Griffiths, who was searched and found with wraps of cocaine, he was swiftly arrested.

“Reviewing CCTV, it was clear that these two were working together and prior to our arrival there had been exchanges of drugs and cash.”

The men appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on December 1 after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Swindells, of Gleadless Road, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison.

Griffiths, of James Walton Drive, was given a community order for 18 months, plus 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay a £1,000 fine.

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