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Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey watches as her partner is jailed over boutique cannabis' operation
Chat logs showed Edward Rainford talking about money and different flavours including Oreo Cookie, Orange Cream and Wedding Cake. Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey watched on in court as her partner was put behind bars for his part in a "boutique cannabis operation". Edward Rainford, 32, and co-defendant Jay Boyd, 28, appeared at Manchester Crown Court for sentencing after they both pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis between November 2022 and September 2023. Healey, 36, who has also appeared in Waterloo Road and Dancing on Ice, has been in a relationship with Rainford for four years. The couple also have a child together. The court was told how Rainford and Boyd's actions were uncovered during an operation by Greater Manchester Police to tackle the supply of Class B drugs, Manchester Evening News reports. Gwen Henshaw, prosecuting, told how, on July 7, 2023, the pair were observed in a branch of Costa Coffee in Monton, Salford. A police officer overheard them discussing "taking 33 per cent", "the next sum", "a 4.5", "it's a risk" and "doing it off their own back". A warrant was then executed to search a property on Grasmere Road, Swinton. Boyd's fingerprints were found along with a small quantity of cannabis, a "list of debtors" and small bags, "the kind used for 3.5 deals of cannabis". Boyd was also seen driving past the address during the search, and his phone number was also disconnected from the network a short time after. On September 4 the same year, Boyd was seen driving in Monton, alongside Rainford. They were pulled over by police and arrested on suspicion of separate offences. Both were taken to Wigan police station while their cars were searched and mobile phones examined. A search of Boyd's address on Cheetham Road found a sum of cash, a vacuum sealer and a small amount of cannabis worth between £145 and £205. The court was told, however, that it was the data from their mobiles which revealed that they were not just using the drug, but "playing roles" in "their own boutique operation". The phone evidence included images of bundles of money, with metadata from one matching the address of Rainford's family home. Chat logs showed the pair talking about money and different flavours including Oreo Cookie, Orange Cream and Wedding Cake. They exchanged contacts, and sent videos to each other showing "different strains of cannabis" with "close-ups of the product" to show off its "quality and structure". On August 13, Rainford sent Boyd a voice note saying: "I think I've got a quick one for us if you're interested". Another exchange showed one requesting a video of the "Gorilla Glue" strain to "forward on". The court was also told of a conversation during which Rainford appeared to refer to a debt he owed. According to the prosecution, the sum of these findings was evidence of the duo "working together in order to sell cannabis". Ms Henshaw said: 'They make contact with customers arranging supply of different strains. Messages suggest that they are keeping some strains in stock. 'The fact that they are arranging meeting places shows they are aware of the seriousness of what they are doing.' She added the pair had a "leading role" in "organised buying and selling of cannabis on a commercial scale", with "substantial links in a chain". She said: 'This was not a massive enterprise, but there were numbers of other people involved. There are people buying from the defendants and selling on for distribution.' Mark Friend, mitigating for Rainford said the actions had "financial advantage in mind' but told the court it 'lacked many of the hallmarks of sophisticated, professional drug dealing". He added: "There were no encrypted telephones – the messages and exchanges were not difficult to access. Messages referring to Rainford's debts show him as a cog in an over-all supply chain. There were clearly people far above him, doing far more. 'I am not seeking to undermine the seriousness of the offending – his decision making was flawed in the extreme and he must be punished. But the reference to organised crime is rather a grand title. I submit that he played a significant role only.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The court was told Rainford had served in the Army for nine years. Mr Friend added: "He gave good service to this country." Judge Peter Horgan responded: 'I think that defence was used on a previous occasion. There is only so much you can draw from the same well.' Rainford has previous convictions for criminal damage, assault and violence, the latter of which he was imprisoned for in July 2019. Upon his release in 2022 he was said to have been "anxious to build himself a life". Mr Friend said: 'He is not scared of hard work and earning a living. There is a good prospect of him moving into paid employment after release. He has entered a relationship that is still ongoing, in which he has a child and step-daughter. "He is supported by family and friends today who I think would say that there is another side to him as a responsible, decent man who can live a life away from offending.' He was still on licence at the time of his arrest in 2023, and initially pleaded not guilty to the drugs charge in December last year, before admitting to the offence in January. Representing Boyd, Tanya Elahi said the offending"lacked sophistication", adding: "They did not use a business as a cover or abuse a position of responsibility". She told the court he was now a trained air conditioning engineer, self-employed since November 2024 due to his release on unconditional bail after he was arrested and pleaded guilty. She added: 'He accepts the severity of the offending and is remorseful for his actions. He himself calls them a stupid mistake and is glad to have turned his cheek. 'He was unemployed then and struggling financially. He is living at his mother's home and signed up for universal credit. He has not been in trouble since this offence. This was one lapse in judgement.' 'A lapse in judgement does not occur over a period of many months,' the judge interrupted. 'That is the difficulty.' Judge Horgan said he "entirely agreed" the duo's activities amounted to "a boutique operation". He told them both: 'It was a serious operation, in which you had a contact above and below you. This ensured that you were able to buy and sell significant amounts of cannabis to make money, which is what this was all about.' "You were working together, buying and selling large quantities and arranging a supply of a variety, suggesting you kept strains in stock. The images recovered suggest a lucrative operation. But I accept that this was not sophisticated organised crime." Addressing Rainford, the judge agreed he had an 'impressive' military career before ending up in prison. He added: 'You were released in July 2022 and, for reasons which are beyond me, you then became involved in this. "You let your family down and left your partner to raise two young children. You plan to move in with her and continue with the business that you set up with your father. I recognise your difficulties with your mental health and those that you have as a result of your service to this country. 'You had a management role in this operation. You did involve others and you did expect to make financial gain, and were aware of the scale. This was not a lapse in judgement - the scale of time is important to me. It took place over many months.' Rainford, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years behind bars. Speaking to Boyd, the judge said: 'You were unemployed at the time of the offence and involved yourself in criminality actively, for the first time in your life, purely for financial gain. 'I have about this but find the only appropriate method of punishment can be immediate custody. I don't believe I would be acting in accordance with my public duty otherwise.' Boyd received a sentence of one year and six months.
Sunday World
11 hours ago
- Sunday World
Drug dealer dubbed Albus Dumbledore jailed over cannabis haul
The judge commended him for writing a 'candid' letter to the court A drug dealer who nicknamed himself 'Albus Dumbledore' has been jailed after he was caught on camera picking up a shopping bag full of cannabis. Jacob Flavin (29) used the name of the famous Harry Potter character on the encrypted communication app, Signal. He was described in court as a 'significant figure' in a five-man gang of drug dealers who sold wholesale amounts of cannabis on Signal, Manchester Evening News reports. Jacob Flavin News in 90 Seconds - June 20th Manchester Crown Court heard how Flavin advertised 500 grams of 'super skunk' for £1,000 on November 3, 2023. He also included a photograph of the product being held in a latex-gloved hand. When his potential buyer said 'leave it with me', the 29-year-old replied, 'Can do nothing but make money. Soon as these main ones land, I will send a list.' Flavin also advertised other kinds of cannabis, including 'Tropical', 'Gelato' and 'Banana' with prices ranging from £2,800 to £3,100 per kilo. He was ultimately caught when undercover police photographed him collecting an Aldi shopping bag that he believed was full of cannabis. Cops were monitoring the gang as part of 'Operation Global'. During his arrest at his deluxe apartment in Salford, Manchester, police seized a Rolex worth between £6,000 and £8,000 as well as small bags of cannabis. Detectives also found menus, price lists and two mobile phones. They also found a ledger with details of debtors and how much they owed. Examination of his mobile phone found he was also involved in the sale of cocaine, heroin and ketamine with other 'unknown conspirators'. It's estimated that the gang were involved in the supply of approximately 180kg of cannabis in a period of seven weeks. Neil Fryman, for the prosecution, told the court that Flavin could be linked to the sale of 3.5kg of cocaine, 2.5kg of heroin and 5kg of ketamine. The court heard that he had six previous convictions for 10 offences, including possession of cannabis with intent to supply, for which he spent nine months behind bars. At sentencing, Judge Sarah Johnson said the damage done to communities by drugs was 'far reaching', adding: "So much of the suffering we see in these courts has its roots in this trade and those who seek to profit from it." She told the court that Flavin had written a 'commendably candid' letter detailing his "first-hand experience of the dreadful consequences of this evil trade". "It appears to be to your eternal shame that you sought to profit from other's misery,' she said. Flavin was handed down nine years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of conspiracy to supply cannabis, cocaine, heroin and ketamine.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Mastermind' behind murder of man who was found naked bound with duct tape sent joke texts about attack, court hears
The victim's glam ex was previously convicted for manslaughter after his death HORROR DEATH 'Mastermind' behind murder of man who was found naked bound with duct tape sent joke texts about attack, court hears Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE alleged mastermind behind the murder of a man who was found naked and bound with duct tape texted jokes about the attack, a court heard. Thomas Campbell was ambushed on his doorstep in an attack allegedly orchestrated by his partner's ex-boyfriend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 John Belfield, who denies murder and conspiracy to rob Credit: MEN Media 9 Coleen Campbell was previously convicted for manslaughter after Thomas' death Credit: Steve Allen 9 Thomas Campbell, 38, was found dead at his home on Riverside, Mossley, Greater Manchester Credit: MEN Media His body was discovered by his neighbours the morning after three men "pounced" on him as he arrived home late on a Saturday night, a court heard. Manchester Crown Court was told the 38-year-old was killed on July 3, 2022 after "very careful planning by a team of highly organised criminals". The alleged "mastermind" of the plot is John Belfield, 31, who is on trial and denies murder. Thomas was dating Belfield's ex-girlfriend and he was "hostile" about the relationship, the court heard. The victim's glam ex Coleen was previously convicted for manslaughter after his death, and she was jailed for 13 years in 2023. The mum-of-four passed on information about her ex husband's movements - including details she learned from her children. Manchester Crown Court heard today how Belfield sent texts after the alleged attack which read the victim "must have bled everywhere". The 31-year-old travelled to South America after the victim was found. He was extradited from the former Dutch colony of Suriname, to stand trial over the "harrowing and violent assault", a court heard. Jurors were told today of messages sent to Belfield by his alleged "right-hand man" Reece Steven. Steven, 29, was previously found guilty of Thomas's murder with conspiracy to rob and he was sentenced to life in prison. Belfield's driver Stephen Cleworth, 38, was also convicted of manslaughter and conspiracy to rob and was jailed for 12 years. The identity of the third attacker remains a mystery. In a conversation about Thomas' horror injuries, Steven wrote: "Tommy crumble. Dripping in tom juice everywhere." 9 Thomas was found by a neighbour at his home on July 3 2022 Credit: MEN Media 9 Campbell was she was jailed for 13 years in 2023 Credit: GMP 9 Thomas was dating Belfield's ex-girlfriend and he was "hostile" about the relationship, the court heard Credit: MEN Media Belfield replied: "Must have bled everywhere." Steven answered: "I didn't say blood mate. I said juice, U're crazy, bro." Belfield: "Tom juice." Steven: "A little bit of Tommy ketchup." Belfield: "All the lights on but no one at home. Actually, the lights have been smashed out of him." Steven: "He ran out of sauce. Empty bottle. No lid on." Belfield: "He didn't believe the team." Steven: "He's just crum now. In the graveyard." In another message Belfield wrote how the police "know I'm the one in charge" but had "next to f***-all on me". He added: "Got a chance of getting away with it." In further texts while Belfield was in Suriname, jurors heard how the 31-year-old wrote to another recipient: "Just looking like what it is going to be to like for me. "If I have an alibi, I cannot get found guilty. "There is no evidence. I could have just been naive." He told the unknown person to "check if they have got warrants for the phones because if they haven't, then they cannot be used". Belfield also sent a message to another recipient which read: "If the evidence is not strong enough against them, they cannot use it against me. "The trouble is getting a not guilty. Got a chance of getting away with it." The defendant then sent one person called Pacheco a text which read: "We did not use a blowtorch. We used hot liquid in a flask to burn him." He added: "Funny, innit. Police know I'm the one in charge but they know there is next to f*** all on me. "I don't even put the tracker on. "They have no evidence to back up what they are saying. Just some story books." The jury heard Steven told Belfield: "I reckon you could squeeze a manslaughter. Accidents happen, bro." He also said in a voice note: "If you put all the cuts on his face aside and the burns that was off whatever. "He's got a f****** wound to the arm what got tarted up and a few bangs to the head. "And he was f****** breathing when they called 999." Prosecutors argued Belfield was looking for "items of value" in Thomas' Mossley home, in Greater Manchester. Dr Philip Lumb told Manchester Crown Court yesterday that Thomas was discovered in the hallway of his home, lying on his back after the savage attack. "He was naked apart from a pair of socks," he told the court. Dr Lumb said his ankles were "bound together tightly" with duct tape. Injuries to the head and neck suggested a "sustained blunt sharp force physical assault". Dr Lumb argued that burns on Thomas's body had been caused by a "hot liquid such as hot water", MEN reported. His arm was found with a "makeshift tourniquet" after an injury that would have bled a lot. Dr Lumb concluded that Thomas's cause of death included "multiple sharp force injures, blunt force head injuries" and "pressure to the neck". The court heard that there was a tracking device placed on Thomas's car and "reconnaissance" was carried out in the days before he died on July 2, 2022. The court was told that Belfield was responsible for putting the tracker on Thomas's car and he was involved in the "reconnaissance" at his home. He was not present at the scene of the death, the trial heard. Belfield denies murder and conspiracy to rob. The trial continues. 9 Reece Steven, 29, and Belfield's driver Stephen Cleworth were both jailed for their role in Thomas's death Credit: GMP 9 Images of the crime scene in Greater Manchester Credit: Cavendish
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Drug mule mum jailed after cannabis bust at Manchester Airport
An American drug mule has been jailed for 17 months after taking 28 kilos of cannabis to Manchester Airport. Chelsea Blanton, 29, had travelled from Texas to Saudi Arabia, before going from Malaysia to Manchester via Heathrow on May 7. In her suitcase, officers found 15 vacuum sealed packages of cannabis in her two suitcases worth £80,000, Manchester Crown Court heard. Blanton, a mum of one, told the court that she had been offered a 'life-changing' amount of $8,500 (£6,319) for the haul. The court heard that when she was arrested, Blanton made a 'false claim' regarding her visit to the UK before later admitting drug smuggling when confronted with the cannabis. Jailing her, Judge Tom Gilbart said: 'You took a gamble, it didn't pay off. You now have to pay the consequences. 'Speaking to the probation service, you confirmed you did this to make money. You took a risk; you said you would be paid $8,500. 'There is no suggestion of intimidation or coercion. There was a degree of naivety on your part.' The court heard she had no previous conviction in the United Kingdom, but had admitted to the probation service that she was imprisoned for assault in the United States. Blanton said that she had suffered trauma following the violent death of her father and that she had been the victim of domestic violence in the past. After hearing her statements, the judge added: 'I accept you had genuine personal, health and financial difficulties. You have a good work ethic and have worked two jobs to support your family. 'You have a 12-year-old child; he must pay the consequences for the decisions you have made. You described this opportunity as life-changing, and I accept that you would have received significant financial gain.' Blanton, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 17 months, of which she will serve half in prison before she will be liable to deportation back to the United States. One woman who secreted almost 100 pellets of cocaine inside her body and her bra showed Border Force officers pictures of the drugs on her phone when confronted. More Trending Mother-of-four Larissa Lins, 27, was stopped at Manchester Airport after flying in from Brazil on August 24 last year. She claimed she had come to the UK to 'research nice places' having previously flown through France and Portugal, Manchester Crown Court heard. Denying she had brought anything illegal into the country, she voluntarily showed officers pictures of her time in France – scrolling past photos of the white pellets. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: 'Elite' US fast food chain to open new sites across the UK MORE: Man found 'tortured' to death in home was bound by ankles, court hears MORE: Sextortion scam warning to students after rise in number of younger victims
ITV News
11-06-2025
- ITV News
Drug dealer brother of ex-Liverpool footballer loses appeal against 21-year sentence
A man who had a "leading role" in an international drugs plot involving his brother, a former Liverpool football prodigy, has lost an appeal against his prison sentence. Jonathan Cassidy likened himself to the infamous drug dealer El Chapo and was later jailed for more than two decades after a drug plot which saw cocaine imported from the Netherlands and used to supply users across north-west England, Birmingham and Leeds, was uncovered. Manchester Crown Court heard last year that the operation dealt with 356kg of the drug, worth around £26 million, with £10 million in cash changing hands in the space of three months. Prosecutors also said that Cassidy sent an associate a picture of the actor playing Mexican drug lord Joaquin Guzman in the TV programme Narcos, known as El Chapo, and joked that they shared the same birthday. Cassidy was jailed for 21 years and nine months in March last year. He was sentenced alongside his younger brother, Jamie Cassidy, a former Liverpool football prodigy who played alongside Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen in the Liverpool side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1996. The younger Cassidy received a sentence of 13 years and three months for conspiring to supply drugs and conspiring to transfer criminal property, after prosecutors said he was 'drawn in' to crime by his older brother. At an appeal hearing in London last month, his lawyers claimed that the sentencing judge gave him insufficient credit for his guilty pleas and that not enough weight was given to mitigating factors. But in a ruling published on Monday, 9 June, three senior judges dismissed the challenge. Lord Justice Fraser, sitting with Mr Justice Hilliard and Mr Justice Constable, said that they were 'not persuaded' that the sentence was 'manifestly excessive or reached after an error of principle'. They also dismissed an appeal bid brought by Cassidy's co-defendant, Nasar Ahmed, who admitted the same offences and received the same jail term. Prosecutor Richard Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court last year that Cassidy played a 'leading role' in drugs importation and the buying and selling of class A drugs while Ahmed acted as a middleman and 'facilitator', transferring vast sums of cash to buy and sell on drugs. One associate was arrested in a car in Liverpool, where police found two Asda bags for life containing £249,940. After the encrypted EncroChat network used by Cassidy and Ahmed was compromised by law enforcement agencies, Cassidy travelled to Dubai in July 2020 and inquired with estate agents about purchasing a villa with a budget of £2.3 million, including a £22,000 bed. He travelled back to the UK in October that year, but was arrested upon his return. Dismissing Jonathan Cassidy and Ahmed's appeals, Lord Justice Fraser said that both knew 'what their conduct had been and the degree to which it was unlawful'. He continued that despite defendants in other EncroChat cases being given greater credit for guilty pleas, there was 'no one single 'EncroChat discount'' that should be applied.
