Epsom drug dealer jailed for more than 5 years
An Epsom drug dealer has been jailed for more than 5 years after neighbourhood and response officers teamed up to take him off the streets. Thomas Barry, aged 19, is the latest case overseen by Surrey Police’s Op Viking team who are tackling drug-related crime and cross border drug dealing. Barry dangerously sped away from officers in Epsom on April 4 this year in a black Vauxhall Astra at more than 80mph but was arrested the following day thanks to a coordinated effort from the Op Viking officers, the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team and local response officers. Having just got off his moped in Greens Lane, Epsom, he was recognised by Op Viking officers in an unmarked car who thought he was acting suspiciously behind a row of shops. They called for support when Barry ran off. He was arrested nearby and later charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop in relation to the offence the day before, and possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs after wraps and drugs paraphernalia were found in his home and from the area he was arrested after he’d thrown them while on the run. Officers later searched his home address and found two knives, a stab vest, scales, a number of mobile phones, wraps of Class A and B drugs. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston said: “Thomas Barry showed absolutely no regard for the public’s safety while speeding through the area which is why we called off the pursuit as it simply became too dangerous to continue. “However we caught up with him the following day thanks to a good spot from a team who were out proactively patrolling the area and thanks to their quick team work with colleagues nearby. “Some of the items we found in his home, including two large knives and a stab vest go to show what lengths some drug dealers will go to protect themselves and just how dangerous it can be. If you’re getting involved in this kind of lifestyle, just ask yourself is it worth risking your life for?” Barry of Waterfelds, Leatherhead, appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Thrusday (May 18) where he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and without a licence. He was sentenced to a total of 5 years and 3 months, and was given a driving 5-year driving ban.
