A DRUG-DEALER from Rubery found guilty of supplying class A drugs – namely cocaine – across Worcestershire and beyond has been jailed for 22 years and eight months.
Michael Morris, 58, of Maple Road, Rubery was found guilty in October 2023 of the offences and his drug-dealing extended throughout the county, including Kidderminster and Wychbold with some spanning from the West Midlands afar afield as Ilfracombe in Devon.
Police said Morris manipulated the court system into multiple delays to evade prosecution and parted company with several barristers, before he represented himself throughout the trial.
In further efforts to evade prosecution for his involvement, he attempted to hide behind a defence suggesting in his opening address that his son was responsible.
He provided no evidence of this, and the jury found him guilty – agreeing with the prosecution evidence that it was indeed Michael Morris who was making the drug supply arrangements.
Morris should have appeared before the court on November 21, 2023, with others including Gareth Pegler, Sinead Lavelle and Mighele Massey – now already convicted for their part in the conspiracy. But, instead, he delayed proceedings and did not face trial until nearly two years after his arrest.
Then, in a last-ditch attempt to evade justice, he absconded and failed to attend court to hear his conviction or to be sentenced.
Just over 12 months later he was recaptured and was yesterday sentenced for his part in the conspiracy and further offences relating to his disappearance.
‘Top of the tree’
His Honour Judge Jonathan Salmon said in his summing up: “Within this conspiracy to supply a large and established county line into large parts of Devon, you are clearly at the top of the tree.
“You supplied a criminal group running that substantial county lines operation.
“You were the wholesale supplier of cocaine to those lower down.
“I’m clear you were not operating as a broker or agent but you yourself were profiting to the full extent of this supply.
“After you went on the run you had sufficient resources and contacts to evade capture for 15 months.
“This was a concerted attempt to evade justice over a lengthy period.
“You are someone the text messages demonstrate was part of a serious organised crime.
“You were able to live at large and hide and spend monies from your criminal activities.”
Police praise
HHJ Salmon commended West Mercia Police and the investigation team for their efforts which insured all involved were brought to face justice.
Det Insp Gareth Evans said: “I have had the fortune to work with some outstanding and diligent detectives during my career in West Mercia Police and in this case, many had moved on or retired due to the delays and time taken to reach trial.
“One ex-officer returned post to ensure his evidence was heard to support the prosecution.
“Despite the best efforts of offenders like Morris to thwart the system, rest assured West Mercia Police will pursue those guilty of offences.
“Justice has been done and, because of the hard work and commitment of West Mercia officers, Morris has received the sanction deserved.”
Morris will now be pursued through the Proceeds of Crime Act to recoup cash and belongings acquired through his criminal exploits.
Anyone with any information around drug dealing can report it online at: westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
