A man has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for running a drug dealing operation in Swansea just two weeks after being released from prison, a court heard. Sonny Stirton, 23, was caught with over 200 wraps of heroin and cocaine when police intercepted his girlfriend’s car on the westbound M4 at Margam. Swansea Crown Court was told that Stirton and his partner were making frequent trips between London and Swansea during their brief relationship.
The court heard that in early 2024, police became aware of a drug line operating between London and South Wales using “county lines” tactics. On April 19, an operation was conducted to intercept the drugs line moving along the M4, leading to Stirton’s arrest. When police stopped the vehicle, Stirton was seen removing items from his jacket while his girlfriend, Angelica Davey, refused to cooperate and had to be removed from the car by force.
Stirton, who has a history of criminal offences including wounding and possession of drugs, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges among others. His girlfriend, Davey, denied involvement in drug trafficking and was acquitted of those charges. The court heard that Davey claimed she was unaware of Stirton’s illegal activities and thought their trips and activities were innocent.
During sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters noted Stirton’s “dreadful criminal record associated with gangs” and sentenced him to prison. Davey received a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation course. The judge remarked that while parts of Davey’s account seemed dubious, he respected the jury’s acquittal decision.
Stirton’s lawyer stated that his client had taken over the drug operation to pay off debts from his cocaine habit. Despite completing courses in prison, Stirton was sentenced to almost four years behind bars. The court revealed that trips between London and Swansea were orchestrated through bulk text messages advertising drug availability once the couple reached specific locations.
The case sheds light on the ongoing issue of drug trafficking and county lines operations impacting communities in Wales. The swift return to criminal activities by Stirton after his release from prison raises concerns about rehabilitation and monitoring of offenders post-release. The court’s decision to convict Stirton and sentence him to a substantial prison term reflects the severity of his actions.
The prosecution’s evidence, including phone analysis and surveillance, played a crucial role in establishing Stirton’s involvement in the drug dealing operation. Despite Davey’s claims of innocence, the court found Stirton guilty of drug trafficking offences. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal consequences individuals face when engaging in criminal activities, especially drug trafficking.