Lee Harrison jailed for drug dealing. He lied to Ashley Dale’s mom and hindered the murder probe.
Harrison claimed Ashley Dale’s murder drove him to deal drugs and lied to her mother. He didn’t assist the police investigation, storing drug paraphernalia in his mother’s room and running a drug supply operation as a “foot soldier” in the drug ring.
In 2023, a trial focused on Harrison as the target of the shooting where Ashley Dale died. James Witham fired into her home in August 2022.
Ashley’s partner, Harrison, didn’t help the police. The shooting was linked to a feud between Harrison and former friends, Niall Barry and Sean Zeisz, who allegedly instructed Witham to kill witnesses.
Texts revealed “heavy beef” stemming from a cocaine theft years prior and an argument at Glastonbury.
After being shot, Ashley called Harrison, but he didn’t answer, leaving no message in her final moments.
He spent that night drinking and taking drugs. He took a taxi home, which passed police near Ashley’s house.
Harrison told detectives he didn’t know why they were targeted, claiming he wasn’t under threat and had no idea why Ashley was killed.
One officer found him unhelpful, skeptical that Barry would kill Ashley over an old fight. Harrison stated Barry had been a friendly visitor to their home, denying knowledge of why Ashley was shot and denying storing drugs at home.
Detectives visited him in Dubai in November. In January 2023, UK police announced charges against Witham and Peers for Ashley’s murder.
Harrison inquired if Barry and Zeisz were charged, referring to Witham as an “old mate” and Peers as “an electrician.”
In July 2023, upon learning Barry and Zeisz were also charged, he speculated they were likely on drugs during the attack. Harrison became angry and ranted about media attention.
Described as “uncooperative” in the investigation, he had made multiple trips to Dubai.
Witham, Barry, Zeisz, and Peers were convicted and received life sentences for Ashley’s murder, also found guilty of conspiracy.
Ashley’s mother, Julie Dale, spoke against Harrison, whom she visited after Ashley’s death. He denied any involvement.
He proposed burglary or mistaken identity as possibilities. Julie knew he was involved, being Ashley’s boyfriend from the start.
Julie was aware he had no regular job and disapproved of Ashley’s relationship with him, as he didn’t share her dreams. She didn’t know the full extent of his activities.
Ashley aimed to improve Harrison, wanting him to find employment and obtain a driving license to stabilize his life. Ashley’s stepfather also spoke, noting Harrison’s false scenarios and implying he should be incarcerated with the others.
Holly Menary testified Harrison and Terence Rice dealt drugs via the “Kyle Line,” completing 247 transactions potentially worth up to £22,230.
Police stopped a BMW in Kirkdale on November 25, revealing their involvement. Rice was driving, and Harrison appeared nervous. Police seized Harrison’s iPhone.
Also found were a Nokia phone, containing the “Kyle Line,” and £920. Both men lied, and the phone contained messages to many users, which suggested both men controlled the operation.
A search of Harrison’s home, where his mother Sharon Harrison was present, revealed cocaine and drug items, including mixing bowls with brown powder.
In his mother’s room, white powder, phones, and bags with white powder residue were found.
Rice’s home search yielded phones, money, scales, and an extendable baton.
Harrison refrained from commenting. He had prior drug convictions. Stephen McNally defended him, portraying him as a foot soldier, not a leader in the drug ring.
McNally argued Harrison’s circumstances—job loss, homelessness, living with his mother—impacted him, leading to mental health decline.
He sought a quick financial fix and now desires a legitimate job with his supportive family and hopes to change.
Harrison pleaded guilty and was jailed for five years. Rice also admitted conspiracy, receiving five years and two months.
The judge stated both men made poor choices, harming people through drugs and ruining lives.
Julie Dale expressed continued lack of answers from Harrison, receiving no apology after three years, noting his family supported him while he dealt drugs.
Julie feels harmed by Harrison’s family and hopes he suffers during his five-year sentence. She said Ashley never should have met him. Julie hopes young women heed the risks and avoid relationships with criminals.