At a sentencing hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Timothy Walker elaborated on Finnegan’s unwavering involvement:
“It is clear from the telephone conversations that you continued to play a significant role in the operation of the drugs line.”
The additional sentence imposed on Finnegan is consecutive to his current term for prior offences, emphasising the judiciary’s stern stance on drug trafficking.
The case also spotlighted the broader network underpinning the BEN line. Justin Hay, 41, was apprehended with the BEN line phone, leading to the discovery of communications between him and Finnegan. A consequential search of Finnegan’s cell revealed a mobile phone, intentionally damaged in a futile attempt to hide evidence, confirming their joint involvement in narcotics supply.
Hay faced further scrutiny for exploiting a vulnerable drug user, whose home was commandeered for drug distribution, bringing to light a grim example of modern slavery within the drug trade. His guilty plea to charges related to drug supply and modern slavery underscores the operation’s nefarious reach and the exploitation entrenched in its logistics.
The investigation extended beyond Finnegan to other key members of the drug line, leading to several convictions:
- Justin Hay, 41, from Church Street, London, was caught with the BEN line phone. His subsequent arrest and the examination of the phone revealed direct communication with Finnegan, implicating him in the operation. Hay was also charged with a modern slavery offence for exploiting a vulnerable individual’s home for drug distribution. He admitted to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply, and modern slavery charges, resulting in a five-year sentence in May 2021.
- Daniel Liddell, 37, from Detmold Road, London, was involved in street-level dealing for the BEN line. He pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to 40 months in May 2021.
- Morad Limlahi, 39, from Rossendale Street, London, communicated with Finnegan regarding the drug line and admitted to two counts of conspiring to supply a Class A drug. He received a sentence of two years and seven months in November 2021.
Judge Patricia Lynch, while sentencing Limlahi, highlighted his knowing participation:
“You knew full well what you were up to. You were helping Finnegan running his drugs empire whilst he was in prison.”
DC Emily Larkin, the lead officer on the case, reflected on the investigation’s impact:
“Through careful investigative work, we were able to irrefutably show Finnegan remained committed to his role running a drug line selling heroin and crack cocaine in Harlow. Despite twice being caught running the same line, he continued this activity from prison, directing those below him in the chain. His considerable prison sentence marks the last of the BEN line to be jailed and serves to show how seriously the courts take drug dealing matters. This case also included a rare charge and conviction against Hay for the exploitation of a vulnerable drug user. The message here is clear. Those who seek to use those suffering from addictions to further their criminal aims will be held accountable for their actions. We have also taken steps to ensure support is in place for the person exploited in this case.”
This comprehensive crackdown not only signifies a substantial victory over a significant drug trafficking operation but also illustrates the law enforcement and judiciary’s commitment to combatting the multifaceted issue of drug distribution and its associated exploitative practices.
source: Essex Police
