Two sentenced over South West drugs and firearms conspiracy

Two people have been sentenced for their involvement in a conspiracy to supply drugs in the South West.

Jacqueline Clark, 56, of Bridford, was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, and Ian Johnson, 53, of Newton Abbot, was sentenced to one year and 50 weeks, also suspended for two years, at Exeter Crown Court on Friday 27 February.

Clark pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cannabis and possession with intent to supply MDMA. She was convicted of conspiring to supply cocaine and possessing cannabis resin with intent to supply it.

Johnson was convicted of conspiring to supply cannabis, possession of a prohibited firearm, and two charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice. He also admitted possessing ammunition.

A third conspirator, Stephen Wills, 37, of Buckfastleigh, had previously been sentenced to 14 years following an appeal, for his role in supplying cocaine and cannabis and possessing firearms and ammunition.

The court heard that in May 2020, Wills was stopped by police near Ivybridge and found with gunpowder, ammunition components and a knife. Johnson arrived at Wills’ Bridford address with a small handgun, later confirmed to be fully operational, along with further ammunition and firearm parts.

Searches also uncovered a cannabis grow, more than a kilo of cocaine, scales, and a vacuum pressing machine. Clark’s nearby property contained over a kilo of cannabis and cannabis resin.

Judge Anna Richardson ordered Clark to complete 15 rehabilitative activity days, and Johnson 30, with all other sentences to run concurrently.

Detective Superintendent Ben Davies said the investigation had been “complex and large-scale”, targeting Class A and B drugs and illegally held firearms. He commended Devon and Cornwall Police and the CPS for their work, and urged the public to report suspected drug activity.