Matthew Hayward

Cocaine dealer rumbled after police find three incriminating items in Mercedes

by · Birmingham Live

A Hereford drug dealer has been jailed for selling class A drugs into the city after police found three key items in a Mercedes. Matthew Hayward was sentenced to two years and eight months at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, November 5.

The 36-year-old, of Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, was arrested at his home on September 19 this year. A search of the vehicle he had been driving uncovered a "large quantity of white powder" in a bag inside the boot.

Police said it was later confirmed as cocaine. A large quantity of clear "unused deal bags and a set of scales" was also discovered. Hayward did not hold a driving licence and was not insured to drive the vehicle he had been seen driving, police said.

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Det Con Emily Holder, of Hereford CID, said: “We welcome this sentencing which demonstrates to the community that police will act swiftly and with the support of the public to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs which causes such harmful impact on our community.

“We urge members of the public to contact us should they have any concerns over drug supply, and they will be taken seriously. You can report it to us online at Report a crime | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.

“Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.”

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Hayward was convicted of one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - cocaine – in September as well as driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

He was sentenced to 32 months for the drug dealing offence, deprivation of any interest in a Mercedes car and banned from driving for 12 months plus a 16-month extension period, giving a total ban of 28 months for the motoring offences.

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