Runcorn drug dealer jailed for six years

A Runcorn drug dealer, who brought misery to a community in Weston Point, has been jailed for six years.

Daniel Bone appeared at Chester Crown court, on Wednesday 18 September, where he was sentenced to six years imprisonment, after pleading guilty of being in concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

The court heard that Bone was well known in the Mather Avenue area of Weston Point, Runcorn, with local residents informing police of regular drug dealing outside of his address at all hours of the day.

Thanks to the excellent engagement between the members of the community and the Local Neighbourhood Team officers gathered enough evidence against Bone and conducted a warrant at his home address on Mather Avenue on 10 September 2022.

During the raid, officers found three packages containing white powder with traces of cocaine, over £2200 in cash, a set of scales and other drug-related paraphernalia. At the time of the warrant, Bone was not present at the address and was arrested at a later date on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine).

On 14 July 2023, officers conducted a second warrant at the address on Mather Avenue and found more drug paraphernalia including weighing scales with white powder residue on them, several small plastic snap bags, a mobile phone and a large quantity of cash notes.

During his interview, Bone claimed that the weighing scales were used for his own personal drug use, and not for measuring substances to sell on. He also went on to say that the plastic bags were used to store his medication, and the large quantity of cash was used to pay for his rent and to be used to put down a deposit for a puppy he was looking to buy.

Data taken from Bone's phone also provided officers with several text messages that showed requests for drugs in varying quantities, and he denied all knowledge of these texts. Bone's banking activity was also questioned, with large amounts of money being moved into and out of his accounts - he could not provide an explanation of this activity.

Due to the overwhelming amount of evidence against him, Bone was charged with being in concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

He appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 18 September where he was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Following the sentencing, the local beat manger stated:

"Daniel Bone brought misery to the residents of Mather Avenue in Weston Point for a prolonged period of time, with his relentless drug dealing activity all times of day outside his house.

"I would like to thank the members of the local community for their assistance. Their courage in coming forward with information was vital in supporting Runcorn Neighbourhood Beat Team and North West Alliance in disrupting a small part of the wider circle of organised crime in Runcorn."