Pair sentenced for supplying cannabis to residents across the UK

A 45-year-old man from Runcorn and a 41-year-old woman from Allerton have been sentenced after they admitted posting cannabis to residents across the UK.

On Wednesday 17 June 2020 police were called to Runcorn Sorting Office after staff at the site located 44 packages destined for homes across the country which were believed to contain illegal drugs.

Officers attended the site and seized the packages which were all subsequently found to contain cannabis.

In total officers recovered 326 individual bags of cannabis which were believed to have a total value of between £9,780 and £11,420.

An investigation into the discovery was launched and through CCTV and DNA evidence officers were able to identified Michael Donnelly and Leanne Hughes as being involved in the incident.

A warrant was conducted at Donnelly’s home in Runcorn in October 2020 where officers discovered further evidence linking the pair.

Following questioning, Donnelly, of Worcester Court, Runcorn, and Hughes, of Springwood Avenue, Allerton, were both charged with being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.

The pair both pleaded guilty to the charges and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 25 August for sentencing.

Donnelly was jailed 14 months, while Hughes was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 24 months.

Following the sentencing Police Constable Simon Gibson, who led the investigation, said: “I welcome the conclusion of this case and I hope that it acts as a warning to others.

“Donnelly and Hughes thought that by posting the drugs they’d be able to evade justice, but thanks to the strength of the evidence we were able to gather they were left with no option but to plead guilty to the charges against them.

“We know the damage that illegal drugs can cause and I want to reassure residents that we are committed to tackling drugs related crime and we will do everything that we can to achieve justice and make our communities safer for everyone.”