Cannabis dealers jailed for ‘lucrative conspiracy’

Judge Smith described the enterprise as a “long-running and undoubtedly lucrative conspiracy to supply cannabis to hundreds of users”.

He said there was “a cost to the mental and physical health of users” as well as a cost to society from the anti-social behaviour drugs cause.

The court heard how almost £10,000 worth of cannabis and a mobile phone was found at the home of Winder, 28, who was Middleton’s girlfriend.

Judge Smith said at its peak in August 2020 the phone was receiving up to 8,000 requests a month.

He added that between 2019 and 2021 the number had been contacted by up to 2,000 different phone numbers.

“This case involves supplying hundreds, if not thousands, of users with cannabis,” Judge Smith said.

He described Winder, 56-year-old Sunderland and 33-year-old Smith as being “trusted members” of Webster’s and Middleton’s gang who “professionally” packaged and sold the cannabis.

Lockett, 31, was also used to sell drugs.

Sunderland, of Parkwood Rise, Keighley, was given a 19-month sentence, suspended for 16 months.

Smith, of Wheat Street, Keighley, was given a 23-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Winder, of Hive Street, Keighley, was given a 15-month sentence, suspended for 15 months.

Each of them will have to complete varying hours of unpaid work and Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

Lockett, of Crescent View, Keighley, was given a 19-month sentence, suspended for 18 months – and 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

Patrick Wilson, 31, of Burley Street, Bradford, who was also involved, will be sentenced at a later date.

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