'This is how she grew up, this is what she knows... this is her life': Mum-of-two locked up as 'family business' smashed by cops

A mum-of-two controlled a heroin and cocaine drugs line described by a judge as a 'family business'. Bianca Freeman-Blakeborough, 30, sent out multiple 'bulk' messages to potential buyers over a nine-month period.

Up to 6.8 kilos were distributed, with almost £680,000 made, Manchester Crown Court heard. When Freeman-Blakeborough was arrested at her home in Middleton earlier this year, police seized the phone associated with the drugs line, as well as her personal device.

Messages from her dad were found. He said the drugs line was being run as her 'business'. Freeman-Blakeborough She pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. Today (October 1), she was jailed for nine years.

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The sentencing judge dubbed Freeman-Blackborough's loved ones a 'family of drug dealing criminals'.

Prosecuting, Katy Laverty said the drugs were supplied across north Manchester. Analysis of phone data revealed that- between August last year and May this year, 'flare' messages were sent to multiple contacts.

In just one week, messages were sent to 240 recipients. Over the course of the investigation, there were 7,547 responses.

"The total amount received, based on the messages, was £679,3230," Ms Laverty said. "The total amount of class A drugs distributed by the drugs line was 6.8kg.

"On May 21 this year, a warrant was executed at the defendant's address. Two mobile phones were recovered, one being the drugs line and the other her personal phone. There was also a small amount of cannabis as well as scales and a box of unused bags.

"In her bedroom there was a designer handbag as well as cash, including notes wrapped in cling film. On her personal phone, there were messages from her father referencing her running the line as a 'business' and he makes a reference to working for her and other people working for her."

The court heard there were no other investigations ongoing. Freeman-Blakeborough has nine previous convictions for 15 offences, including for being concerned in the supply of class B drugs; and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Mitigating, Ellen Shaw said the messages from her dad suggested she was 'not top of her game' because she had a 'problem with cocaine use'.

"She comes from a family of people known to the police and accepts moving in these circles," Ms Shaw said. "This is how she grew up, this is what she knows and this is her life."

Judge Recorder Andrew Long interjected: "A family of drug dealing criminals. And a reluctance to accept that role." The court heard a financial investigator concluded Freeman-Blakeborough had no available assets. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing was not sought.

Ms Shaw said that while in custody, she was receiving therapy to address her drug issues and was 'almost glad to have been remanded' because she 'needed to get clean'. Recorder Long described the drugs line as a 'family business'.

The judge added: "I have no doubt you received a substantial benefit, it does appear some of the bulk of the profit was not retained by you. I am impressed by the fact you have shown a determination to change whilst in custody."

Freeman-Blakeborough, of Burnside Crescent, was jailed for nine years.