Atherton man involved in drug dealing conspiracy led by man in prison

Greater Manchester Police have been investigating the conspiracy since 2020 after warrants carried out at an address at Swinton in 2019 discovered Class A and Class B drugs and multiple mobile phones.

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This led to the unearthing of a drugs supply chain throughout Greater Manchester, which was later discovered that it was being run under the control of Ashley Blackett, who at the time was serving a custodial sentence in prison.

The suspects were consequently identified, and further arrests were made, with drugs, money and luxury items seized from those addresses.

Atherton man included in initial arrests:

Wayne Sunter (15/07/1975) of Gadfield Grove in Atherton, was sentenced to a 15-month suspended sentence, wholly suspended for 24 months and a rehabilitation order for being concerned in supply of cannabis.

Jamey-Leigh Brook-Parkinson (17/04/1994) of Brightsmith Way in Swinton, was sentenced on Friday 2 July 2021 to 3 years in prison for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Wendy Brook (22/02/1974) of Malcolm Avenue in Swinton, was sentenced on Friday 2 July 2021 to a 12-month community order for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.

James Currie (10/04/1975) of Buckingham Road in Swinton was sentenced to 18-month community order for being concerned in supply of Class B drugs.

Christopher McNamara (24/12/1988) of Whalley Avenue in Sale, was sentenced to an 18-month suspended sentence for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

On Friday 17 February 2023, the final three men, including ring-leader Ashley Blackett, appeared at Manchester Crown Court.

Three men sentenced to prison:

Asley Blackett, who ran the operation from prison, was sentenced to 12 years (Image: GMP)

Ashley Blackett (21/06/1987) of HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale, was sentenced to 12.5 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of a mobile phone in prison.

Christopher Taylor (28/06/1988) of no fixed abode was sentenced to 7 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Wesley Blackett (06/12/1985) of North George Street in Salford, was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

'Prime example of excellent policing'

Christopher Taylor was sentenced to seven years in prison (Image: GMP)

Detective Sergeant Wendy Grace of Greater Manchester Police said: “This investigation involved a small team in Salford and who as a result of a warrant were able to dismantle this criminal activity which later was discovered to be a drug supply chain operating from prison.

“Ashley Blackett operated this operation from prison using a mobile phone and was able to communicate with his associates and co-ordinate the supply of drugs across Greater Manchester.

"I would like to thank all our officers and staff who have worked extremely hard on this investigation, and we couldn’t be happier with the result not only because it has brought justice, but it has also removed these men and women from our streets in Greater Manchester and cut the supply of drugs from our streets.

“This result is a prime example of what excellent policing is and Greater Manchester Police will continue to remove dangerous individuals from our streets.”