Ripon drug dealer jailed for five and a half years after police seize cash and drugs
A man from Ripon, who was found with cash and a quantity of drugs during two separate police searches, has been jailed for five years and six months.
Joe Lee Windle, 27, of Ure Bank Terrace, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Wednesday, July 1 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and ketamine.
On Monday 30 October 2023, Windle was detained by officers near Boroughbridge after they stopped and searched a vehicle he was travelling in.
During the search, officers recovered cash and a quantity of Class A drugs.
Further enquiries led officers to search an address linked to Windle, where additional Class A and Class B drugs were discovered and seized.
During the investigation, messages recovered from Windle's mobile phone indicated that he was involved in the supply of illegal drugs in the local area.
Several months later, on Friday 23 February 2024, officers patrolling the Westcliffe area spotted Windle.
When he noticed the officers, Windle attempted to escape on foot.
He was quickly detained and searched, resulting in officers discovering cash along with an assortment of drugs in his possession.
Following a full investigation, Windle was charged with offences relating to the possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
At York Crown Court, Windle pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years and six months imprisonment.
Sergeant Savannah Knighton, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "I welcome the custodial sentence handed to Windle, which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the damage that illegal drugs can cause to individuals, families and communities.
"Those who choose to profit from the supply of drugs should be under no illusion that we will pursue them relentlessly.
"We are committed to disrupting drug-related crime, removing harmful substances from our streets and bringing offenders before the courts.
"This result sends a clear message that drug dealing has no place in North Yorkshire, and we will continue to take robust action against anyone involved in it."