Kingpin drug dealer handed more than 22 years for role in large-scale operation
He was found guiltyof conspiracy to supply of class A drugs - cocaine - from the West Midlands into Kidderminster, Wychbold and Devon
A drug dealer has been handed 22 years and 8 months in prison for his role in a large-scale operation to flood Worcestershire with cocaine.
Michael Morris, 58, of Maple Road, Rubery was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Monday 9 June) after being found guilty in October 2023 of conspiracy to supply of class A drugs - cocaine from the West Midlands into Kidderminster, Wychbold and beyond to Ilfracombe, Devon.
West Mercia Police say Morris had manipulated the court system into multiple delays to evade prosecution and parted company with several barristers, before he represented himself throughout the trial.
We're told that he continued to evade prosecution for his involvement in the whole operation, with officers saying he attempted to hide behind a defence suggesting in his opening address that his son was responsible.
But he provided no evidence of this.
The jury found him guilty - agreeing with the prosecution evidence that it was indeed Michael Morris who was making the drug supply arrangements.
Morris should have appeared before the court on November 21, 2023, with others including Gareth Pegler, Sinead Lavelle and Mighele Massey - now already convicted for their part in the conspiracy - but instead he delayed proceedings facing trial nearly two years after his arrest.
In a last-ditch attempt to evade justice, he absconded and failed to attend court to hear his conviction or to be sentenced.
Just over 12 months later he was recaptured and was yesterday sentenced for his part in the conspiracy and further offences relating to his disappearance.
'You are clearly at the top of the tree'
His Honour Judge Jonathan Salmon said in his summing up: “Within this conspiracy to supply a large and established county line into large parts of Devon, you are clearly at the top of the tree.
“You supplied a criminal group running that substantial county lines operation.
“You were the wholesale supplier of cocaine to those lower down.
“I’m clear you were not operating as a broker or agent but you yourself were profiting to the full extent of this supply.
“After you went on the run you had sufficient resources and contacts to evade capture for 15 months.
“This was a concerted attempt to evade justice over a lengthy period.
“You are someone the text messages demonstrate was part of a serious organised crime.
“You were able to live at large and hide and spend monies from your criminal activities.”
HHJ Salmon later commended the efforts of West Mercia Police and the investigation team for the level of investigation originally brought before him and in ensuring all offenders were brought to face justice.
'Justice has been done today'
T/Detective Inspector Gareth Evans said: “I have had the fortune to work with some outstanding and diligent detectives during my career in West Mercia Police and in this case, many had moved on or retired due to the delays and time taken to reach trial.
“One ex officer returned post to ensure his evidence was heard to support the prosecution.
“Despite the best efforts of offenders like Morris to thwart the system, rest assured West Mercia Police will pursue those guilty of offences.
“Justice has been done today and, because of the hard work and commitment of West Mercia officers, Morris has received the sanction deserved. He has been found guilty and sentenced to 22 years and eight months imprisonment.”
Morris will now be pursued through the Proceeds of Crime Act to recoup money and belongings acquired through his criminal exploits.
Anyone with any information around drug dealing can report it to police online.
Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.