Two drug dealers from Aberystwyth, Wales, have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in cocaine distribution. Lee Walsh, aged 37, received a sentence of 32 months, while Luke Hutton, 25, was sentenced to three years following their appearance at Swansea Crown Court. Both men pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property, specifically cash.
On November 14, 2023, police executed a search warrant at Walsh’s flat on Princess Street in Aberystwyth. Upon arrival, officers observed several individuals outside the property, including both Walsh and Hutton. As law enforcement approached, the defendants attempted to leave the scene. Walsh was detained immediately, while Hutton fled but was apprehended after a brief chase.
During a search of Walsh, police found a small bag of cannabis, £160 in cash, and a mobile phone. Hutton was found carrying £8,795 in cash and a mobile phone. Prosecutor Dean Pulling noted that Hutton was seen attempting to hide something in his underwear, prompting a strip search that revealed a wrap of white powder concealed in that area.
Further investigations uncovered additional incriminating evidence. A search of Walsh’s bedroom revealed £850 in cash arranged in piles on the bed, a silver knuckleduster, five mobile phones, and a large kitchen knife hidden under the bed. Officers also discovered a bag of white powder, a set of scales with white powder residue, and a bank card belonging to Walsh, also containing white powder.
At Hutton’s residence, police found £1,060 in cash, bicarbonate of soda, and several empty snap-seal bags, indicating further drug-related activities.
In court, defense attorney Ryan Bowen presented Walsh’s challenging background, stating that he endured an “absolutely horrible” childhood and attended 14 different schools. Bowen argued that Walsh’s cannabis use was a coping mechanism linked to his difficult upbringing. Meanwhile, Hutton’s lawyer, Jon Tarrant, described his client as someone who had not gone a day in the past two years without seeking or using cocaine.
Judge Vanessa Francis expressed concern over the defendants’ actions, indicating that both were engaged in drug dealing with the expectation of financial gain. She highlighted Hutton’s statement in the pre-sentence report, where he mentioned resorting to drug dealing after his benefits were stopped, underscoring the court’s commitment to removing individuals from the streets who contribute to the drug crisis.
Hutton was sentenced to three years in prison, while Walsh received a 32-month sentence. Both men will serve up to half of their sentences in custody before being eligible for release on license to complete the remainder of their terms in the community.
