Major Blackburn cannabis gang have sentenced adjourned

The sentence of a group of drug dealers has been adjourned after uncertainty over the quantity of cannabis involved in the conspiracy.

Thirteen men were charged with conspiring to sell cannabis resin and conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of class B drugs.

Appearing at Preston Crown Court on Friday, May 23, the offenders were told that the sentence would be adjourned until Thursday as the quantity of cannabis amounted to less than the 200kg that was originally suggested.

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Judge Ian Unsworth said: “Considering all the evidence and other messages about the amount of money generated in 2023, the crown said a proper inference was that it was not less than 100kg, which was their position.

“It was opened at the time that the amount of cannabis was closer to 200kg, and plainly this represents a huge and from the defendant’s point of view and works to their advantage.”

He also welcomed the defence for all of those involved to provide written submissions to the court regarding the changes to the charges.

Those facing sentenced on Thursday are:

• Leon Nixon, 23, of Bunkers Hill Close, Blackburn

• Reece Nixon, 22, of Avon Close, Blackburn

• Raymond Hayes, 39, of Linwood Avenue, Darwen

• Dean Houghton, 40, of Cunliffe Close, Blackburn

• Mark Saunders, 53, of Back Lane, Wigan

• Killian Haslam, 35, of Warwick Street, Accrington

• Ashley Jepson, 36, of Suddleside Street, Darwen

• James Rigley, 35, of Arber Drive, Blackburn

• Elliot Reed, 27, of Ribble Valley View, Old Langho

• Desmond Noonan, 39, of Kensington Drive, Salford

• Christopher O’Brian, 41, of Suddleside Street, Darwen

• Kieran Hosker, 49, of Griffin Street, Blackburn

• Michael Turner, 41, of Taylor Close, Blackburn