November 23, 2018 4.44 pm This story is over 64 months old

Seven jailed for 47 years over Lincoln drug den

It includes a former town councillor

Seven people have been jailed for a total of over 47 years. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Seven people have been jailed for a total of over 47 years after being found guilty of a conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine in Lincoln.

Police action was carried out in various locations including Lincoln’s High Street and Portland Street.

The conspiracy centred around a property in the Bailgate area of the city, which was being used to prepare significant quantities of Class A drugs for onward sale in Lincoln.

In addition to large quantities of heroin and cocaine officers discovered cutting agents, a hydraulic press and heat sealing equipment during raids. This was used to bulk out the drugs to maximise profit. Large sums of money were also seized.

Seven people, including former town councillor Sharon Hopkinson, were sentenced after a hearing at Leicester Crown Court on November 23:

Norman Foreshaw, 39, of White Hart Hotel, Gainsborough was jailed for 16 years. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Roger Bayes, 48, of Keddington Avenue, Lincoln was jailed for 12 years. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Sharon Hopkinson, 45, of White Hart Hotel, Gainsborough was jailed for three years and six months. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Charlie Murray, 28, of Washington Street, Hull was jailed for four years and seven months. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Elon Williams, 24, of Washington Street, Hull, was jailed for four years and seven months. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Robert Sharpe, 50, of Greetwell Gate, Lincoln, was jailed for three years and 10 months. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Dwan Fowler, 31, of Jarvis Close, Lincoln, was jailed for two years and seven months. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

James Hewitson, 36, of Newark Road, Lincoln, who was found guilty at Nottingham Crown Court on September 11, will be sentenced at a later date.

Judge Martin Hurst said Norman Foreshaw and Roger Bayes had equal roles in the conspiracy, with leading roles in the distribution of Class A drugs.

They directed and had influence over the other members of the conspiracy, with an expectation of financial gain.

Sharon Hopkinson had a lesser role in that she did not see or touch the drugs, but she was responsible for the conspiracy continuing by providing premises.

Robert Sharpe had a lesser role, however he was actively dealing in larger quantities as directed to do so by Foreshaw.

Elon Williams and Charlie Murray were equal partners in the street dealing part of this conspiracy. Dwan Fowler was an active street dealer, however on a much smaller scale.”

The evidence in the case encompassed a number of stop and searches and raids by police.