Man jailed for drugs offences in Winsford

A 24-year-old man has been jailed for three years for drugs offences in Winsford.

Lewis Ruddle, of Meadow Grove, Winsford, was handed the sentence at Chester Crown Court on Monday 29 January.

He had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of class B drugs, and possession of a weapon.

On Friday 2 June 2023, a search warrant was executed at an address on Wharton Bridge, Winsford.

During the warrant, a quantity of cocaine was seized, along with cannabis, a knuckleduster, cash, and mobile phones.

Ruddle was the only person present in the property and was arrested at the scene.

The estimated street value of the cocaine was between £2,940 and £5,260, while the cannabis was valued at £240.

In interview, Ruddle admitted he would divide the cocaine up to sell to other people.

He said one of the phones seized was a ‘graft’ phone which he would use to buy and sell the drugs, with numerous messages from customers on it.

He also stated he sold cocaine to fund his own cannabis habit.

Ruddle was subsequently summonsed and charged with the offences.

Following the sentence, PC Wayne Thomas said:

“We take the battle on drug dealing very seriously. Illegal drugs can have a devastating impact on not only those who use them, but also on entire communities.

“It is quite right that people who deal drugs can expect to receive a substantial custodial sentence, as this case demonstrates.

“We are doing all we can to stop drug activity on our streets to make Winsford a safer place to live, work, and visit, while also making it an extremely hostile place for criminals.

“But we would continue to urge anyone who believes this activity is happening in their community to contact us on 101 or through our website.”