Tandridge Buzz

Eleven men have been sentenced to a total of nearly 37 years for their role in supplying Class-A drugs throughout East Surrey.

Following several months of intelligence-led investigations, police carried out dawn raids on 16 properties in Redhill, Woodhatch, Nutfield, London and Sussex on Thursday 10 February 2011 in an operation codenamed Operation Erstwhile.

Final sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court on 30 January.

“Operation Erstwhile and the sentences handed to those we found responsible for the supply of illegal drugs reflect how successful Surrey Police is in identifying and breaking up suspected networks of drug dealers in our county,” said Superintendent Matt Bristow.

“Illegal drugs destroy communities, not only are those dependent on drugs harming themselves but anyone who has been a victim of crime as a result of a user needing to fund their habit are also affected and I hope the conclusion of this operation sends out the message we will not tolerate drug dealing in our county.”

Sentences handed out:

Redhill

Rahiel Abid Hussain, 29, of Radstock Way, was sentenced on Monday, 30 January, to 36-months-imprisonment.

Marc Northover, 39, of Observatory Walk, was sentenced on Friday, 27 January, to 36-months-imprisonment.

Mark Edwards, 39, of Holmesdale Road, was sentenced on Friday, 27 January, to 30-months-imprisonment.

Stephen Buckland, 59, of Carrington Close, was sentenced on Friday, 27 January, to 24-months-imprisonment.

A man in his 20s was given 12-month community order.

Reigate

Oliver Ripley-Duggan, 57, of Holly Road, Woodhatch, was sentenced on Friday, 13 January to 24-months-imprisonment.

Dorking

David Hiller, 37, of Hampstead Road, was sentenced to 14-months-imprisonment.

Sussex

Mark Shaw, 29, of Bishopstone Walk, Crawley, was sentenced on Friday, 27 January, to 42-months-imprisonment.

London

Nathan Hayes, 25, of Spencer Road, Brixton, was sentenced on Friday, 13 January, to 60-months-imprisonment.

Marlon Brown, 27, of Lyham Road, Brixton, was sentenced on Friday, 13 January, to 45-months-imprisonment.

Ashton Gordon, 20, of Merton, London was sentenced on Monday, 30 January to 36-months.

Kent

Samuel Charles Johnson, 24, of Wadeville Close, Belvedere, was sentenced on Monday, 30 January, to 42-months-imprisonment.

No fixed address

Roger Gabohumise, 24, was sentenced to 4-years and 6-months imprisonment.

Two brothers have now had to pay out over £17,000 in fines and costs after failing to comply with planning enforcement notices to remove caravans from a Lingfield site for a second time.

Charlie and Jonny Quinn, care of Victoria Fields, Clay Lane, Lingfield pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court on 20 July and were fined £2,500 each and ordered to pay Tandridge Council’s costs of £1,200.

It was the second time the pair had been before the court over the issue — in February this year they were fined £5,000 each and ordered to pay over £1,000 in costs.

In June 2008, part of the land owned by the brothers had been surfaced with hardcore and three caravans brought onto the site. A planning application was submitted in July for a change of use to residential, with some building works.

The application was refused and on 24 April 2009, two enforcement notices were issued to remove the caravans and the removal of the hard surface.

Following an appeal, a public inquiry was held in October 2009 when the inspector dismissed the appeals and refused planning permission for the change of use of the land.

The residential use enforcement notice was varied to be complied with by 16 November 2010.

On 17 November the Planning Enforcement Manager carried out an unannounced site inspection and found the caravans were still on site and some were still occupied.

After the brother’s court appearance in February, the enforcement officer visited the site in March again and the caravans still there.

“Failing to comply with the planning notices has now cost these brothers over £17,000,” said Councillor Gill Black, chairman of the planning committee.

“We have offered them advice about what they need to do and also put them in touch with our housing department. The caravans must be removed and the land returned to its original state. We have made it clear if they do not comply we have no choice, but to continue to pursue them.”

A gardener from south Croydon has admitted stealing thousands of pounds worth of distinctive handmade jewellery from a house in Oxted.

James Cooke, 21, of Edridge Road, pleaded guilty to theft and two counts of fraud when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, 20 June.

Cooke stole a diamond bracelet worth £2,500 and diamond earrings worth £1,000.
The theft happened sometime between 12 January and 14 January 2010 from a house near East Hill, Oxted.

He also admitted two counts of fraud which relate to obtaining money by using a credit card in October 2009.

Cooke was sentenced to 16-weeks in prison for each offence, to run concurrently, which was suspended for two years. Cooke was also ordered to pay £600 costs.

“When confronted with all the evidence against him Cooke had little option but to change his plea and admit stealing the sentimental and highly valuable pieces of jewellery,” said Investigating officer Detective Constable Karen Bradley.

“Due to Cooke’s initial denial of any involvement in this offence he never told us what happened to the jewellery. He still has not come forward with this information since changing his plea, which may go some way to appease the victim.

“However, I hope due to our thorough investigation prompting Cooke to finally admit his guilt reassures and helps the victim.

“Surrey Police will pursue offenders of crime ensuring they are brought to justice.”