Driver for crack cocaine dealing operation in Wellingborough sentenced to three years in jail

Steven Gardner appeared at Northampton Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

The court heard two police officers stopped a Ford Fiesta being driven at speed in the early hours of January 8 in Wellingborough Road, Rushden.

Matthew Pryor, prosecuting, said a set of scales with white powder on them and a white rock of crack cocaine were found in the vehicle.

In police interview, Gardner said he had owned the car since 2011 and he had given regular lifts to a man who he knew was a crack cocaine dealer.

Gardner, who is unemployed, said he would be paid £10 per lift and he dropped the man off in a range of locations in Northamptonshire.

He told officers he had also bagged up cannabis for the man and rented a hire car, which he used to transport the dealer and a number of unknown associates.

Pree Brada, mitigating, said her client had been “extremely naive” and did not have a long criminal history.

Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking said Gardner had an awareness and understanding of the class A drug dealing operation.

She said: “You had a significant role and an operational function within the drugs supply. You were the driver and you knew what you were doing.”

Gardner was sentenced to three years in jail. He is likely to serve half in custody before being released on licence.”