Jason Gladding, a local drug dealer from Grimsby, has been sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a County Lines operation. Gladding, 34, was essential in founding a phone line used to distribute heroin and crack cocaine throughout the area. His invaluable local insights greatly assisted the organisers of this operation, who were based in Bradford and Leeds. Gladding’s job was to supply contact details for local addicts, enabling a rapid launch of the drug conspiracy, which took place from 4th January to 16th January 2020.
At Hull Crown Court, the case took a turn when Gladding’s late and unruly entrance ignited controversy. He loudly queried about his co-defendants’ overnight stay in custody as the session was in process. In spite of his disruptive conduct and his record of 64 prior convictions, including past drug-related charges, Gladding was permitted to remain on bail until his sentencing.
Prosecution led by Brian Russell exposed how Gladding and his associates put to use a stolen SIM card within mere 40 minutes to expand drug sales. The structure of the operation featured teenage carriers and a base house where investigators discovered evidence of 242 deals. Remarkably, Gladding’s antics in court continued with him departing for a local pub upon learning of his impending imprisonment.
While Gladding was sentenced to three years of imprisonment, his co-defendants who had more significant roles in the operation were each subjected to a nine-year prison term.
This article is based on the original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
