Two men sentenced for drug offences in Reading
Officers located a clear plastic bag containing 32 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, along with a cling film package containing 6.62g of heroin
Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, two men have been sentenced for drug offences in Reading.
Dale Northcote, aged 35, of Lexington Grove, Reading was sentenced at Reading Crown Court to six years and two months' imprisonment on 7 August.
Ross Leighton , aged 37, of Loddon Bridge Road, Woodley, Reading was also sentenced at Reading Crown Court to three years and four months' imprisonment on 7 August.
Northcote pleaded guilty on 22 January of this year at the same court to:
. Two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely cocaine and heroin
. One count of grievous bodily harm
. One count of affray
Leighton pleaded guilty on 22 January at the same court to:
. Two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely cocaine and heroin
At around 12pm on 21 January this year, officers witnessed what they believed to be a drug deal on Church Street in Reading.
A grey Toyota C-HR hire vehicle seen in the area was subsequently stopped on Christchurch Road.
The driver, Leighton, and passenger, Northcote, were searched. Officers located a clear plastic bag containing 32 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, along with a cling film package containing 6.62g of heroin with an estimated street value of approximately £1,360.
Officers also seized £270 in cash and three mobile phones from the vehicle
A subsequent search of Leighton's home address resulted in the recovery of a further £715 in cash.
Northcote and Leighton were arrested the same day and subsequently charged the following day (22/1).
Investigating officer PC Ross Hutcheson of the Reading Proactive Team said: "Northcote and Leighton were involved in the supply of harmful class A drugs into our communities.
“Through targeted enforcement activity and a thorough investigation, officers were able to recover significant quantities of hero and crack cocaine before they could be sold on our streets. The seizure of these drugs, along with mobile phones and other items linked to drug dealing, provided strong evidence of the offending.
“The supply of illegal drugs causes significant harm to individuals, families and communities, often exploiting vulnerable people for financial gain.
“We remain committed to identifying those involved in drug supply, disrupting criminal networks and bringing offenders before the courts. I hope this case demonstrates that we will take robust action against those who seek to profit from the sale of illegal drugs.”
Investigating officer Detective Constable Gareth Steward said: "Northcote carried out a violent and reckless attack that left the victim with a serious slash wound to his neck and face, injuries which could very easily have had catastrophic consequences.
"Thanks to the victim's courage in reporting the incident and supporting the investigation, Northcote is now behind bars where he belongs.
"We hope this sentence provides some reassurance to the victim and sends a clear message that violent offending will not be tolerated."