Jean Jennings, 55, caught dealing crack and heroin from her kitchen to pay off her son’s drug debt in Openshaw.
Jean Jennings, 55, was caught by the police during a raid on her home in Openshaw on August 1, 2023. She admitted her crimes right away and directed officers to the drugs, which she kept in a kitchen drawer. The police found her in Openshaw.
She assisted with packaging and selling drugs in her kitchen to pay her son’s drug debts, Manchester Crown Court heard. Police searched the drawer and found 50 wraps of heroin and 50 wraps of crack cocaine, prosecutors told the court. Other drug-related items were also present. There was a bowl with more heroin, scales, clingfilm, bags, and phones.
Police discovered more drugs, worth £4,000, on a living room table, along with brown and white powder, more cling film, and a knife. Jennings’ son, Kyle Casey, was at the home. He identified himself to police, who arrested him as her partner in the crime. They both went to the police station after that.
They both said ‘no comment’ to questions. Analyzed messages on Jennings’ phone showed she and Casey shared responsibility, discussing arranging and selling drugs. This operation lasted from July 2021 to August 2023.
The court learned that neither defendant had prior convictions. Jennings, a well-regarded carer in her town, was a carer. According to a lawyer, Casey started taking drugs himself and developed a drug habit, making it very tough to quit. He was under pressure to pay off his drug debt.
His lawyer claimed his client regretted his actions and is now a father to a young daughter. Jennings’ lawyer stated she helped her son with maternal instincts, as she has medical conditions and worked in the care industry. She wanted to protect him from harm, as threats were made on their family home.
The judge stated they had significant roles, but also lesser roles, and at times acted under pressure. He accepted their personal reasons, but noted the operation lasted two years and involved two different drugs. They both showed remorse for their actions. Casey has duties to his child, and Jennings cares for others and has poor health.
The judge saw little difference in their crimes and jailed the mother and son for 27 months. They admitted conspiring to supply drugs and possessing drugs to supply them.
Casey showed no reaction to the sentencing, while Jennings seemed sad and waved to family as she was taken away.