Wrexham class A drugs conspiracy members jailed

Earlier this month The Leader reported on the sentencing of seven individuals caught by police as part of Operation Blue Kyanite. 

Between March 2020  and March 2021, the gang facilitated large scale supply of cocaine and heroin, involving multiple kilograms of the substances.

The scheme saw the drugs sourced from a supplier in Merseyside and brought into Wrexham, where the head of the organised crime group - 28-year-old Levi Roberts - was based.

Levi Roberts. Image: North Wales Police

At his sentencing on Wednesday Mold Crown Court heard Roberts, of Royden Gardens, was the leading person responsible for "vast amounts of drugs" being brought into North Wales on a daily basis.

Judge Niclas Parry told him: "It was via you that many kilos of class A drugs arrived from Liverpool, to cause incalculable harm in North Wales.

"Such was the profitability of the venture for you that you continued after you'd been arrested and interviewed.

READ MORE: The first group of Op Kyanite defendants jailed

"You knew the police were onto you, but it was clearly a significant risk worth taking."

Philip Tully, defending, told the court his client's inevitable custodial sentence would have a "major impact" on the lives of his partner and children.

He added: "He regrets what he did. He's well thought of by his family and friends, and he's let them down.

"He is trying to put this behind him and move on with his life."

Judge Parry jailed Roberts for ten years.

Paul Wilbraham. Image: North Wales Police

Next up for sentence was Paul Wilbraham, aged 51 and of Blantern Way in Wrexham.

The court heard he was a courier, and had an "operational function" in the conspiracy.

Nicholas Williams, defending Wilbraham, said his client's involvement was limited a handful of dates over a period of around six weeks in the overall lifespan of the conspiracy - telling the court his involvement was less than others.

"He's a hard working family man who has worked his whole adult life," he added.

READ MORE: Wrexham man fined for cocaine possession in town High Street

"He is no longer going to be in a position to financially support his family."
Wilbraham was jailed for six-and-a-half years.

Craig Roberts. Image: North Wales Police

The court heard how Craig Roberts, uncle to Levi Roberts, got involved by "doing favours" for family members.

The 40-year-old, of Bryn Gwyn in Coedpoeth, participated in the group's activities on two occasions only, defending Barrister Mark Connor said.

He continued: "Far from being a career criminal, he is effectively a man of good character.

"He was far from an organiser - rather someone that didn't stop and think what he was doing when asked to do favours. He got no financial reward."

On one of the occasions he delivered cash to another conspiracy member, and on the other he gave a lift to conspiracy members.

Judge Parry jailed the defendant for five years.

Haydn Griffiths. Image: North Wales Police

The final defendant, 61-year-old Haydn Griffiths of Cefn Road in Wrexham, appeared on Wednesday afternoon for sentence.

Duncan Bould, defending, told the court: "His last conviction is getting on for 20 years ago and there are no convictions relating to drugs offences.

"He has largely been an industrious man, working hard and providing for his family.

"This will be by far his longest experience of custody and it is bound to have a profound influence over what remains of his life."

The Judge told Griffiths: "You had paid employment as a legitimate taxi driver, but you played a significant role in this conspiracy.

"You were as close to anyone to Levi Roberts, who trusted you to drive him to and from Liverpool and around Wrexham.

"Unlike other couriers, this wasn't one or two trips - you were involved from the beginning and you had close links to the other main conspirator, Thomas Wright (of (Fairfield Avenue in Roby - who was sentenced on the last occasion).

"[You had] links at both ends of this damaging business."

The Judge handed down a jail term of eight-and-a-half years.

Also dealt with by the court was an application under the 'slip' rule to amend the sentence of another gang member dealt with on the last occasion - 43-year-old Kevin Roberts of Plas Gwyn in Wrexham.

He initially received seven years and two months, but on Wednesday that was amended to six years and four months.

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