Northwich drug dealer jailed

A drug dealer from Northwich who seriously assaulted an innocent member of the public has been jailed.

Calum Holland appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 26 June where he was sentenced to 44 months in prison.

The 30-year-old of Peckforton Way in Northwich, had earlier pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine), possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and one count of section 20 assault.

The case against Holland began on Friday 26 March 2023 when officers from Northwich stopped a blue Ford Focus on the A556 in Hartford following intelligence that the vehicle was linked to drug dealing.

Holland was behind the wheel, and as officers approached the car, an officer spotted him attempting to conceal an item in his waistband.

He was arrested at the scene and taken to custody where he was found in possession of several snap bags containing cocaine. A mobile phone was also seized.

Holland was later bailed and his mobile phone was sent for analysis, where officers discovered messages which showed that Holland was actively involved in the sale of illegal drugs.

While on bail, Holland was involved in a separate incident in Northwich town centre. At around 2am on Sunday 10 September 2023 the victim, was stood outside a takeaway on Witton Street with a friend, when he was approached by Holland who began shouting at him.

Holland then punched the victim in the face, before forcibly pushing him to the floor face down, causing him to lose consciousness. He then ran off from the scene on foot, travelling towards Venables Road.

Police and ambulance were called to the scene, and the victim was taken to hospital where it was found he had sustained a broken jaw.

An investigation into the attack was launched by Northwich CID, and Holland was quickly identified as the suspect by local officers who recognised him on the CCTV footage.

Holland was subsequently arrested and during questioning he refused to answer any questions put to him by officers.

He was later charged in relation to both incidents.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Sarah Ollier, of Northwich CID said:

“It’s clear that Holland has absolutely no regard for the law and I welcome the sentence that has been handed to him by the court.

“Not only was he dealing illegal drugs, but he also left an innocent man with serious injuries following a totally unprovoked attack.

“The victim did not know Holland and was simply speaking with a friend when he was violently assaulted for no apparent reason.

“Thankfully, Holland has now been held accountable and will face the consequences of his actions.”

Pictured - Calum Holland of Peckforton Way in Northwich.