'Staggeringly inefficient' police failed to prove teenage drug dealer in Mansfield was ‘criminal mastermind’

Nottingham Crown Court heard police chased Taylor Bateman on Layton Burroughs, on June 8, 2019, at 10pm, after receiving a tip-off.

Gregor Purcell, prosecuting, said that before the 17-year-old was caught he discarded a package containing 16 wraps of crack and 13 wraps of heroin, and shouted at a bystander to warn his girlfriend to ‘get rid of the stuff’.

When they searched his bedroom, officers discovered a safe containing six grams of heroin and 2.7g of cocaine, along with £740 in cash.

Bateman, now of Carlton Road, Worksop, admitted five counts of supplying class A and B drugs.

Mathew Hayes, mitigating, said Bateman, now aged nearly 20, had no previous convictions and was pressured by others into selling drugs after incurring a debt.

But there was no evidence to suggest he was part of a ‘county lines’ operation, or played a significant role.

The court heard he was named along with ‘at least four others involved in the enterprise’, possibly by a rival dealer, and sold drugs between certain hours of the day.

Sentencing, Judge Stuart Rafferty QC told him: “There aren’t many criminal masterminds in this country.

“There are countless 17-year-olds exploited by criminals much more adept than the children they pick on.

“Your case demonstrates yet again the stupidity of people who think taking drugs is a good thing to do.”

‘Staggering inefficiency’

The judge said the police showed ‘staggering inefficiency’ by failing to question Bateman’s girlfriend and refusing to accept his basis of plea.

He said: “They didn't carry out an investigation.

“The police are overwhelmed, no doubt, but with someone like you, it requires someone to step back and exercise a little common sense.”

Bateman was sentenced to 18 months’ custody, suspended for two years, and given a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation days.

Judge Rafferty told him: “If I locked you up, in two seconds flat you would be with the people who put you in this situation.

“Get as far away from this as you can, because I have no doubt piranhas, as they are, will still be looking for you.”

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