A mother of five who operated a cocaine and marijuana trafficking scheme has been spared prison after a judge decided that her children were reliant on her.
Chantelle Jackson, 37, could have been sentenced to up to four and a half years in prison, as she and partner Joshua Harrison were arrested in a drugs raid on the family home where they reside with the children in the foothills of the Peak District.
During a raid on their home in Poynton, police seized a £150 stash of marijuana, scales, and snapbags, and found traces of cocaine on the property. CheshireAuthorities also examined the couple's mobile phones and found incriminating messages discussing their drug dealing operation, with Jackson communicating with users, arranging supply, and keeping the drug payments up to date.
The couple’s mobile phones were also examined and found to contain incriminating messages discussing their drug dealing operation, with Jackson communicating with users, arranging supply and keeping the drug payments up to date.
At Chester Crown Court, Jackson and Harrison both pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs between September 4, 2022, and January 25, 2023.
While CCTV engineer Harrison was sentenced to three years in prison, Jackson, who has one child with her boyfriend and four others from a previous relationship, was released with a two-year imprisonment sentence suspended for two years.
Judge Patrick Thompson, in his sentencing, said Jackson had acted as a ‘secretary’ to Harrison after hearing claims she played a ‘lesser role’ in the scheme due to domestic abuse within the household and being 'scared to please' her boyfriend.
The judge added: ‘Mr Harrison, what is perhaps reprehensible is that you brought your partner into it when she had five children, including one of yours.
‘It is very clear that this was a business but with any business that involves criminality and payment, you are aware of the risks if caught. It is evident that significant amounts were being supplied and significant amounts of money were being made.
‘Taking such a risk with her freedom was a terrible choice. She is in the dock with you facing a significant sentence, and the question is whether appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.
‘Many would argue that it can, but in your case, Miss Jackson, there is a very substantial impact on others if you are sent to prison. There are children relying on you, which provides substantial personal mitigation.
‘Considering all these factors, despite being involved in class A drug trafficking, I can just about suspend it in your case.’
Earlier, Jane Morris, the prosecutor, stated: ‘Miss Jackson was in a relationship with Joshua Harrison and experienced domestic abuse. This was not constant but was enough to make her scared to please him. She said she only got involved in drug dealing because it was the wish of Joshua Harrison, although she was not forced to do so. Other options were open to her.’
She added: ‘Certainly, she had an awareness and understanding of the scale of the operation. She is actively dealing with it. She was very much involved. However, I accept that she had a lesser role. She appears to be directed by Mr. Harrison, certainly to some extent, although she does not claim she was forced into it.
‘She doesn't go as far as saying she was intimidated or forced, but mentions there was some pressure.’
A message from Jackson to a user named Matt asked if he still wanted a deal, while another text asked her ‘Are you still active?’ She replied that it was £30 cash for a deal. When the user responded that he only had £20 in cash, Jackson forwarded Harrison’s bank details so he could pay by bank transfer.
Harrison was arrested during the drugs bust while Jackson attended willingly for an interview four months later. Both chose not to answer in the interview.
Harrison had two prior drugs offenses on his record from 2011 plus others for battery, criminal damage and common assault. Jackson had no previous convictions. The couple are still thought to be together and were posting selfies on Facebook as recently as last week.
Jackson’s defense counsel Phil Clemo said: ‘She has five children, one is 14 years old and has been formally diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
‘Another child has a suspected similar condition, but is awaiting diagnosis. For the most part she has been a good mother but has made some terrible choices in relation to this case. Her children are entirely innocent, they would inevitably suffer should she go to prison.
‘Her mother is willing to step in, but that would mean giving up her job as a nurse. That would not be a benefit to her, it would not be a benefit to wider society.’
Mr Clemo added: ‘She is not using the children as a human shield. There is a very real possibility she could lose her council tenancy if she goes to prison as it is in her name. There is no guarantee it would be a transferable tenancy. There is substantial mitigation. Others would suffer.’
Jackson was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitative activity and 200 hours of unpaid work. Both she and Harrison faced proceeds of crime hearings later.
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