Drug dealer Lewis Hall
A Grimsby man was back drug dealing within days of being released on licence from prison. officers spotted a mobile phone in a pink folder at his home, at a time when he was meant to register with police any phones he was using because of a
Lewis Hall, 24, of Grimsby Road in , appeared at for sentencing. He had pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, heroin and amphetamine, five counts of breaching a Slavery Trafficking Risk Order, two counts of possession of a class B drug and possession of a class C drug.
Prosecutor Katherine White told the court how Hall was released from prison in January this year with a five-year Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO). Within three days of release, an investigation was launched after officers discovered a new drugs line related to the supply of class A drugs across North East Lincolnshire.
Investigating officers discovered bulk outgoing text messages sent between January and March this year connected to the same . Hall was identified as a key member when officers conducted CCTV enquiries revealing him being connected to the drugs line and subsequently sending bulk text messages.
In breach of his STRO, Hall failed to comply with the requirements imposed on him around notification of mobile phone conditions. In March, officers from Humberside Police Kinetic Organised Crime Group Team arrested Hall at his home address where they discovered an amount of drugs, cash, mobile phones and paperwork and he was later charged and remanded into custody.
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Miss White said a total of £560 in cash was seized. Analysts supporting the investigation got into Hall’s drugs phone, showing text messages advertising the sale of class A drugs which further evidenced him being active in the supply of MDMA, ketamine, cocaine and heroin.
On Wednesday, June 26, due to overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty to all thirteen offences at Grimsby Crown Court. Mitigating, Tim Savage said his client did not have a long history of drug dealing.
He added he had suffered a series of tragic events during the Covid pandemic, when both his grandparents died within months of each other and his partner gave birth to a stillborn child. He said his client had been in "serious drug debt bondage."
Hall had been stabbed and also shot at because of his drug debts, the defence barrister told. "He is not a sophisticated dealer.
"He is not one of the big businessmen who make huge profits from operating networks and putting people into debt bondage and use intimidation and violence," said Mr Savage. He said Hall intends moving away from the area when he is released.
Recorder Ayesha Smart said: "It is clear, irrespective of your drug use, there was an expectation of significant financial gain." She added: "Class A drugs shatter the lives of those taking them and their families and society generally through petty or violent crime."
She jailed him for a total of 65 months. She ordered the cash seized to be shared between The Tribune Trust and St Paul's Boxing gym which diverts people from crime and anti-social behaviour in Grimsby and Hull areas.
After the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tom Kelly from Humberside Police Kinetic Organised Crime Group Team said: “By stopping Hall’s activities we have prevented significant amounts of drugs from being sold on the streets in our force area. Despite being under strict court orders, Hall wasted no-time in re-establishing a criminal network with a total disregard for the lives of those who were purchasing drugs from him, evident in the steps he took to conceal his activities and manipulate those around him.
"The sentencing handed down for failing to comply with that order shows how seriously this will be dealt with by the courts and will not be tolerated. This comprehensive investigation saw officers trawling through a vast amount of phone data, along with forensic and operational searches in order to put forward a strong prosecution case. The impact of drugs causes a significant harm in our communities, and we must remain focussed on targeting those would are a cause of this harm.
"Working with our partners and the community enables us to disrupt drug networks and bring offenders to justice. This case serves as a clear reminder that those involved in drug supply will be identified and prosecuted.
“Investigating and tackling organised crime remains a priority for our force and we are committed to dismantling drugs networks, protecting those at risk of exploitation, and ensuring offenders like Hall are held fully accountable. He added: "If you have any concerns about what’s happening in your area, speak to your local officer, call into your nearest station or call our non-emergency 101 line.
"If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999."