Ten people appeared before Norwich Crown Court today to deny being involved in a class A drug dealing conspiracy at a Norfolk town. The two women and eight men, aged between 19 and 53, were arrested in high profile raids on properties in Thetford in September following a three month undercover operation by police.
Ten people appeared before Norwich Crown Court today to deny being involved in a class A drug dealing conspiracy at a Norfolk town.
The two women and eight men, aged between 19 and 53, were arrested in high profile raids on properties in Thetford in September following a three month undercover operation by police.
Seven of the defendants today denied accusations of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, heroin and diamorphine, but admitted lesser charges of supply or being concerned in the sale of a controlled drug between May 28 and August 12 this year.
Three men denied all drug dealing charges against them and are set to face a crown court trial in early February. They are Liam Fisk, 19, of Chester Way, Thetford, Christopher Elliot, 42, of Edinburgh Way, Thetford, and Joseph Atherton, 36, of St John's Way, Thetford.
The seven others were also remanded in custody to be sentenced at a date to be fixed, with the more serious conspiracy charges staying on their files. Steven Stannard, 28, of Painter Street, Thetford, admitted five counts of supplying a class A drug to another and three counts of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
His brother, Eddie Stannard, also 28, of Painter Street, admitted two counts of supply and one of being concerned in the supply of diamorphine. Sally Porton, 34, of Eastgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, pleaded guilty to supplying crack cocaine and being concerned in the sale of diamorphine.
Mark Dean, 53, of Edinburgh Way, Thetford, admitted one charge of selling diamorphine and Donna Rathbone, 37, also of Edinburgh Way, pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned and two of supplying diamorphine and crack cocaine.
Brian Palmer, 19, of Woodland Close, Thetford, admitted six counts of supplying a controlled class A drug, including diamorphine, crack cocaine, and heroin. James McKenzie, 19, of St Giles Street, Norwich, admitted three counts of supplying heroin between May 28 and August 12.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here