TWO MEN have been sentenced for a total of nearly ten years for a string of offences including drug and violent offences in Reading.
Dale Northcote, aged 35 and of Lexington Grove, Reading, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court to six years and two months’ imprisonment on August 7.
He previously pleaded guilty on 22 January at the same court to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely cocaine and heroin; a count of grievous bodily harm; and a count of affray.
The counts of grievous bodily harm and affray were in connection with a separate, unrelated incident, which left a man in his twenties with serious, though not life threatening injuries.
Ross Leighton, aged 37 and of Loddon Bridge Road, Woodley, was also sentenced at the same court to three years and four months’ imprisonment.
He similarly pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely cocaine and heroin.
It comes after, at around noon on January 21, officers witnessed what they believed to be a drug deal on Church Street in Reading.
A rey Toyota C-HR hire vehicle seen in the area was subsequently stopped on Christchurch Road.
Leighton, who was driving the vehicle, was searched, along with Northcote, who was a passenger in the car.
The search uncovered a clear bag containing 32 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, along with a cling film package containing 6.62g of heroin.
The drugs had an estimated street value of nearly £1,400.
£270 in cash and three mobile phones from the vehicle.
A subsequent search of Leighton’s home resulted in the recovery of another £715 in cash.
They were arrested on the same day, and charged the following day.
Investigating officer PC Ross Hutcheson of the Reading Proactive Team said: “Northcote and Leighton were involved in the supply of harmful class A drugs into our communities.
“Through targeted enforcement activity and a thorough investigation, officers were able to recover significant quantities of hero and crack cocaine before they could be sold on our streets. The seizure of these drugs, along with mobile phones and other items linked to drug dealing, provided strong evidence of the offending.
“The supply of illegal drugs causes significant harm to individuals, families and communities, often exploiting vulnerable people for financial gain.
“We remain committed to identifying those involved in drug supply, disrupting criminal networks and bringing offenders before the courts. I hope this case demonstrates that we will take robust action against those who seek to profit from the sale of illegal drugs.”
Investigating officer Detective Constable Gareth Steward said: “Northcote carried out a violent and reckless attack that left the victim with a serious slash wound to his neck and face, injuries which could very easily have had catastrophic consequences.
“Thanks to the victim’s courage in reporting the incident and supporting the investigation, Northcote is now behind bars where he belongs.
“We hope this sentence provides some reassurance to the victim and sends a clear message that violent offending will not be tolerated.”
