Jailed: Gang who openly sold class A drugs on housing estates in Queen’s Park and Paddington
Clockwise from top left: Thomas Addy, Nico Bent, Romello Briggs-Leon, Merlique Joseph, Denach Tilson, Jonas Messackli, Da-Shaun and Christopher Coleman - Credit: Archant
A gang of drug dealers including a 13-year-old schoolboy who openly peddled their trade on housings estate in Queen’s Park and Paddington have been sentenced.
The 13-strong mob sold crack cocaine and heroin in children’s playground in the Mozart Estate and the nearby Warwick Estate.
They were arrested following a four-month long police operation where undercover officers watched the gang’s movements and bought drugs from members.
They were all arrested and subsequently charged with drug offences following a series of dawn raids at addresses in Queen’s Park and Paddington on September 22.
Yesterday at Southwark Crown Court, eight members were jailed for a total of 27 years and eight month after admitting supplying class A drugs.
Queen’s Park residents Romello Briggs-Leon, 20, of Second Avenue, was jailed for five years, Jonas Messacki, 21, of Third Avenue, three years, Merlique Joseph, 20, of Saltram Cresent, four years, Christopher Coleman, 21, of Sycamore Walk, and Da-Shaun Nicolas, 21, Bruckner Street, were both given three years and four months.
Deanche Tison, 21, of Whitehaven Streen, Marylebone, was sentenced to two years and eight months, Thomas Addy, 21, of Berwick Street, Soho, three years, and Nico Bent, 20, of Goldney Road, Maida vale, was given three years in jail.
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They were also all handed down a Criminal Behaviour Order which comes into effect when they leave jail.
Five boys aged between 13 and 16 were handed down an 18 month intensive supervision order in October for supplying class A drugs.
DC Chris Anderson, from the Westminster Crime Squad, said: “The violence and anti-social behaviour that stems from drug dealing blights communities. Where information is provided to us, we are committed to investigating those responsible for such behaviour and we will investigate allegations robustly.
“There has been a very positive response from the local community since the completion of this operation and I hope it has improved their quality of life.
“In turn the operational team would like to thank the assistance and support the local community provided during the operation.”
