Paul Rooney & Rebecca Brown successfully prosecute five defendants, following a four week, Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine trial at Teesside Crown Court.
Paul Rooney leading Rebecca Brown were instructed by the CPS in this complex case, concerning the supply of cocaine from the Northwest of England to the Northeast of England.
In May 2018, the cocaine was transported from Lancashire to Darlington by Oliver Pilkington who supplied it to Blake Stubbs and Alexander Howe, in the Brinkburn Pub Car Park. Minutes later Stubbs and Howe supplied it to Daniel Field in the same car park
Durham Constabulary undertook a comprehensive investigation involving the use of specially trained surveillance officers over a period of several months which, culminated on the day of the drug deal, in the recovery of half a kilo of high purity cocaine valued at circa £58,000.00 as well as £15,000.00 in cash.
Paul Baveridge, represented by a QC, was the controlling mind of the conspiracy and made sure he was not present at the drugs transaction, however the case against him was proven by the use of telephone, cell site and radio frequency evidence.
Baveridge absconded part way through the trial after being cross examined. He was convicted in his absence and currently remains at large.
The jury failed to reach a verdict in relation to another defendant who will now face a re-trial.
Sentence has been adjourned until September 2019.