Drugs gang behind bars

The pair were hauled before Reading Crown Court after an 18-month investigation by Thames Valley Police's Organised Crime Group into a string of drugs and firearms offences.
James Castle, 27 of Beechtree Avenue, Marlow and Robert Desantos, 39 of Phipps Close, Maidenhead were sentenced for 10 and eight years respectively.
The gang leader 31-year-old Stephen Walker from Battersea, who is currently on the run, faces 16 years in jail and the final member Stefan Baker, 36, from Woldingham in Surrey was sentenced to seven years.
All the men were convicted of conspiracy to supply massive amounts of cocaine with Walker and Baker also found guilty for possession of shotguns with a street value of £30,000.
Speaking after the sentencing, Det Insp Mark Wheatman, of the Organised Crime Group, who lead the operation said: "I'm extremely pleased. I think the sentence sends out a clear message to those who wish to become involved in drug supplying that Thames Valley Police won't tolerate it and that we will do everything in our power to pursue those people involved."
DI Wheatman went on to praise the efforts of his team in a particularly complicated case.

See next week's Advertiser for a full court report.