Three people have been sentenced after a Swindon flat became a hub for dealing Class A drugs.

Two Londoners - 18-year-old Awais Ghani and 19-year-old Jayden Wilson-Edwards - travelled to the town from October 9 to 10, 2021, to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

While investigating this criminal activity, police discovered that 43-year-old Michelle Adams had allowed Ghani and Edwards to use her flat as a base to deal these illicit substances. 

In return for letting them use her home as part of a county lines drug network, they gave her Class A drugs.

After being arrested and taken into custody, the London duo each pleaded guilty to supplying Class A drugs.

Adams, who had been charged with permitting the use of a premises for the supply of Class A drugs, changed her plea from not guilty to guilty ahead of the trial in April.

All three defendants then appeared in court on Monday morning for sentencing.

Ghani received an 18-month jail sentence, which has been suspended for two years, and must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work plus 30 days of rehab activities.

Wilson-Edwards received a 16-month jail sentence, which has been suspended for two years, and must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work plus 25 days of rehab activities.

Adams received a 17-month jail sentence, which has been suspended for two years, and must carry out 30 rehab activity days.

DS Natalie George of the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “County lines drug networks have a significant detrimental impact on society on a multitude of levels.

"I’m pleased that the defendants in this case have been sentenced.

“As well as the gang culture and associated violent crime and antisocial behaviour, drugs also lead to the exploitation of both children and vulnerable people.

“Creating safer public spaces for our public is a force priority and we are committed to ensuring there is no place for drugs in Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire.

“We will work tirelessly to clear both drugs and dealers off our streets.

“If you see any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, or if you have any concerns, please report it to us. Any piece of information could be vital.”

To report illegal drug activity or to alert officers to anyone who is being put in a vulnerable situation, call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.