Organised crime gang from Telford convicted for drugs offences

A number of people have been convicted and sentenced following a police investigation into organised crime in the Telford area.

The defendants were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday for their part in a conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine between November 2012 and May 2014. Between them they will serve more than 50 years in prison.

- Robert Stephen Bushell, aged 39 of Riven Road, Hadley, Telford was sentenced to eight years in prison.
- Neil Bushell aged 35 of Westbourne, Telford was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.
- Sally Bushell, aged 31 of Brunel Court, Bilston was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.
- Melanie Louise Thompson, aged 39 of Riven Road, Hadley, Telford was sentenced to eight months in prison.
- Sean Ashley Thompson, aged 21 of Riven Road, Hadley, Telford was sentenced to four years in prison.
- Stuart David Waterhouse, aged 34 of Redlands Road, Hadley, Telford was sentenced to six years in prison.
- John Gough, aged 45 of Mill Bank, Wellington, Telford was sentenced to three years in prison.
- Lee Jonathon Moseley, aged 41 of Buildwas Road, Wellington, Telford was sentenced to four years in prison.
- Kenneth William Hogg, aged 39 of Hurleybrook Way, Montgomery, Telford was sentenced to three years and three months in prison.
- Liam Riggs aged 21 of Chirbury, Stirchley, Telford was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, plus 120 hours of unpaid work.
- Matthew Norman Thompson, aged 42 of Market Street, Wellington, Telford was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.
- Bernadette Cheryl Stewart, aged 50 of Ercall Gardens, Wellington, Telford was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.
- Graham Stewart, aged 44 of Ercall Gardens, Wellington, Telford was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

The operation known as Operation Sift was led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit. Two major arrest phases were undertaken with over 50 suspects arrested and charged with offences linked to conspiracy to supply heroin, crack cocaine and other drugs.

Detective Inspector Gavin Kinrade said: "I am pleased with the sentencing handed down today. This investigation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the communities of Warwickshire and West Mercia from harm. Those convicted today were engaged in a sophisticated operation, driven by greed, which targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our society bring misery to them, their families and the wider community.

"This was a complex investigation and I would like to pay tribute to my investigation team who worked tirelessly to bring the defendants to justice."