Nottinghamshire drug dealer's crucial mistake that meant he ended up in court

Some drug dealers cover their tracks. Others make it oh so easy for the police, which we're sure they appreciate

A drug dealer made a big mistake before being spotted by police in a Nottinghamshire town. Police were investigating the illegal supply of drugs in Sutton-in-Ashfield when they spotted known user Graham Lawrence dealing in an alleyway - but it was only when they seized his phone that they found concrete proof of his crimes.

Officers stopped Lawrence near his home in Luther Avenue on March 23 last year and found cocaine, heroin and cash in his pockets. Further searches at Lawrence’s address uncovered more Class A drugs, drug dealing paraphernalia and cash.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police then began to analyse Lawrence’s mobile phone. They discovered messages in which Lawrence talked about new batches of drugs and how to improve sales.

The messages also provided further evidence for officers to pursue criminals higher up the chain - two of whom are due to be sentenced next month. Tajean Simms, aged 24, of Norwood Road, Nottingham, has pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and cocaine.

24-year-old Ma-kyi Nugent-Clarke, of Seymour Road, Eastwood, has pleaded guilty to supplying a Class B drug. Both are due to be sentenced on November 1.

Lawrence, aged 55, of Luther Avenue, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was sentenced to 18 months in jail suspended for two years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (October 3). He had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Detective Constable Beth Davison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Officers had been investigating a county line operating in the Sutton-in-Ashfield area for some time. We believe it was a typical county lines business model which exploited young people and vulnerable adults to make profits.

“It is always good news when we can disrupt this criminal activity through positive police action and securing the conviction of dealers like Lawrence. Evidence recovered from his mobile phone revealed he was fully aware of the enterprise he was involved in and was actively involved in making further profit from the misery of others.

"Individuals higher up the chain than Lawrence have already been placed before the courts. The force continues to do everything in its power to safeguard our communities and vulnerable young people against organised drug crime and put dealers in the dock.”