Drug dealer sentenced following successful stop and search in Northwich

A woman who was spotted dealing drugs in an alleyway in Northwich has been sentenced.

Jenny Peake appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 15 April where she was sentenced to two-years in prison, suspended for 18 months.

The 47-year-old of Porter Drive, Northwich, had previously pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine and two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).

The court heard how at around 2pm on Monday 17 October 2023, plain clothed officers on patrol in Northwich spotted a deal taking place in an alleyway between Greenall Road and Victoria Road.

During the exchange Peake was witnessed passing an item to a man who was a known drug user. After seeing the officers, Peake was witnessed dropping an item behind a wheelie while the man appeared to swallow the drugs he had purchased.

Both suspects were searched by officers and while the search on the man was negative, Peake was found in possession of a small amount of cash and a wrap of illegal drugs were also recovered from behind the wheelie bin which she admitted dropping.

She was arrested at the scene and a section 32 search was conducted at her former home on Victoria Road, where officers recovered further cash along with two mobile phones.

Messages discovered on one of the phones showed that Peake had been actively dealing drugs in the area, sending ‘flare’ messages to other drug users in the area offering to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

During questioning Peake admitted that the illegal drugs found in the alley were hers, however she claimed that they were for personal use.

She also told officers that there were a number of messages relating to the sale of illegal drugs on her phone but claimed that she was not responsible for the messages.

Despite her denial, Peake was subsequently charged with possession of class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Following her sentencing, Detective Constable Adam Cupples, of Northwich Proactive Policing Team, said:

“Illegal drugs can have a devastating impact, not only drug users, but also the community around them.

“Here in Northwich, we are doing all we can to stop drug activity on our streets to make the town a safer place to live and visit, while also making it extremely difficult for these offenders to operate.

“We will always act on any information about drug activity provided to us and would urge anyone who believes this activity is happening near to them to get in touch.”