Two drug dealers from Aberystwyth, Lee Walsh, aged 37, and Luke Hutton, aged 25, have been sentenced for their roles in the cocaine trade. Both men appeared at Swansea Crown Court on November 14, 2023, where they pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, as well as possession of criminal property, specifically cash. Walsh received a sentence of 32 months, while Hutton was sentenced to three years in prison.
During the police operation on the day of their arrest, officers executed a search warrant at Walsh’s residence. Upon arrival, they observed multiple individuals outside the property, including both defendants. As law enforcement approached, Walsh was detained, while Hutton attempted to flee but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
A search of Walsh revealed he possessed a small bag of cannabis, £160 in cash, and a mobile phone. Hutton, on the other hand, was found with £8,795 in cash concealed in his clothing, along with another mobile device. Prosecutor Dean Pulling noted that Hutton was subjected to a strip search in custody, leading to the discovery of a wrap of white powder hidden in his groin area.
Details of the Investigation
Further investigation revealed additional incriminating evidence at Walsh’s flat. In his bedroom, police found £850 in cash arranged in piles on the bed, a silver knuckleduster, and five mobile phones. A large kitchen knife was also recovered from under the bed. Officers discovered a bag of white powder, a set of scales with white powder residue, and a bank card belonging to Walsh with white powder on it.
At Hutton’s residence, police located an additional £1,060 in cash, bicarbonate of soda, and several empty snap-seal bags, indicating his involvement in drug distribution.
Defense attorneys presented mitigating factors for both men during the hearing. Ryan Bowen, representing Walsh, described his client’s troubled upbringing, stating that he had endured an “absolutely horrible” childhood, which included attending 14 different schools. Bowen argued that Walsh’s cannabis use was linked to the difficulties he faced in his formative years.
In Hutton’s case, his lawyer, Jon Tarrant, expressed that Hutton had been in a cycle of seeking or using cocaine for the past two years, highlighting the impact of addiction on his life.
Judicial Remarks and Sentencing
Judge Vanessa Francis expressed concern about the defendants’ activities, indicating that their involvement in drug dealing was driven by the expectation of significant financial gain. She referenced Hutton’s comments in the pre-sentence report about resorting to drug dealing after his benefits were stopped. The judge emphasized the court’s duty to protect the community from individuals contributing to the “misery of drug supply.”
As a consequence of their actions, Hutton will serve three years in prison, while Walsh will be incarcerated for 32 months. Both men are expected to serve up to half of their sentences in custody before being released on licence to complete the remainder of their terms in the community. This case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related crime and enhance public safety in Aberystwyth and surrounding areas.
