Seven jailed in drug-gang purge

AN Oldhamer is one of seven men jailed as part of an operation to tackle organised crime gangs.

John Mallon (33), of Barmouth Walk, Oldham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to six years and eight months at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.

Lee Clarke (28), of Welbeck Street South, Ashton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and intent to supply Class B drugs and was jailed for six years and six months.

Stephen Ellis (35), of Duchess Green, Hyde, was jailed for seven years and four months, Anthony Quinn (32), of Kenley Walk, Collyhurst, was jailed for four years, Aaron Farr (23), of Vine Street, Openshaw, was jailed for four years and Andrew Hulme (33), of Cornwall Road, Droylsden, was jailed for three years and four months after they all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Michael Connor (24), of Limebrook Close, Openshaw, had previously been jailed for seven years and two months after earlier admitting the same offence.

Vincent Mallon (60), of Woodvale Walk, Beswick, pleaded guilty to money laundering and was sentenced to a six-month community service order.

Activities were monitored for five months before police raided homes across Manchester and recovered cocaine and cannabis worth almost £100,000 and cash and other goods worth another £70,000.