Lee Harrison received a five-year sentence after his life spiraled due to bereavement, leading him into drug dealing.
Harrison’s life worsened after a loss, a fact the court heard during sentencing. He was described as a “foot soldier” in the operation, forced to “get his hands dirty.”
Harrison and Terence Rice sold drugs using a “county lines” model called “Kyle Line.” Their records showed at least 247 drug sales, totaling 222 grams. The drugs’ estimated street value ranged from £8,892 to £22,230.
Police stopped a BMW X3 driven by Rice on Jennifer Avenue. Harrison appeared nervous. Police then seized Harrison’s iPhone, but he refused to provide the pin code. They found a Nokia phone containing the Kyle Line number, along with £920.
Both men denied owning the Nokia phone, which had been used to send bulk messages to many users, demonstrating control of the drug line. Officers then searched Harrison’s home using his key where his mom was present.
Inside Harrison’s bedroom, police found cocaine worth between £4,760 and £11,900, along with drug paraphernalia including bags, a bowl, and scales. In his mom’s room, they discovered white powder and three phones, along with a bag containing brown herbs and powder remnants in the living room.
Rice’s home was also searched, yielding phones, £4,035 cash, scales, and a baton. Harrison did not speak to police. He had prior convictions for drug possession and bladed articles.
Harrison’s lawyer argued that the drug supply period was short, involving less than 250 grams of cocaine. He said Harrison sometimes held the phone but was not the leader, characterizing him as “hands on” but low level. The lawyer further stated that Harrison had limited prior offenses and that a hard time, involving job and home loss, led to his actions and mental health decline.
Harrison wanted a quick fix and regretted the decision. He hopes for future employment and is purportedly using his time wisely. Supported by his family, he wants to change his life and feels remorse for his crimes, influenced by his time in jail.
Rice had several convictions, including drug driving, and had received a suspended sentence. His lawyer pointed out that Rice had no prior dealing convictions, though he does have parental responsibilities, and his partner cares for their kids. Rice also feels remorse for committing crimes and desires to change his life.
Harrison admitted to drug offenses and appeared in court via video, where the judge sentenced him to five years. Rice admitted to conspiracy charges, also facing affray and drunk driving charges, and received a sentence of five years and two months.
The judge acknowledged Harrison’s youth and their desires to improve, stating that their choices led them to this situation, noting that Class A drugs ruin lives. He emphasized that they profited off misery, and the drugs hurt families and society. Therefore, the sentences had to be strict.