Members of an organised crime gang which carried out a campaign of terror and intimidation in North East Wales have been locked up for more than 55 years today.
The defendants were locked up after North Wales Police's year-long 'hugely effective covert' Operation Trimeter
The defendants, who all pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, were sentenced to a total of 55 years and six months at Mold Crown Court after North Wales Police's year-long Operation Trimeter. One was given a suspended sentence.
Ringleader William Michael Smith, 45, of Oxford Street, Wrexham, known as Billy, was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
His offences included conspiracy to commit criminal damage, arson, grievous bodily harm and the supply of Class A and B drugs. He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon, possessing a firearm and handling stolen goods.
Prosecuting counsel John Philpotts told the court at a previous hearing how Smith was under instruction from others to act out “threats of destruction and violence”.
One of those was Trevor Daniel Jones, 32, of Ponciau who was said to have fallen "head over heels into criminal enterprise". He was given an eight year sentence for conspiracy to commit arson, grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.
Mold Crown Court had previously heard how Jones had an issue with his neighbour, which was most likely about parking, and the neighbour was subjected to an escalating campaign of damage and violence to his property, including smashed windows and an attempt to petrol bomb his car.
Jones offered cash to Smith to commit offences on his behalf.
One of Smith’s chief lieutenants was Patryk Dziewiatkowski, 22, of Smithfield Road, Wrexham. He was given 10 years in prison for a string of offences including conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and commit criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage, arson and grievous bodily harm.
Ronnie Williams, 24, of Glan Gors, Wrexham, was locked up for seven years for possessing and offensive weapon and conspiracy to supply cocaine and commit criminal damage.
Harry Williams, 21, Wern Las, Rhos, Wrexham, who was on on licence when he committed his offence, was given five years in prison for possessing a stolen sawn-off shot gun.
Nathan Richards, 26, of School Lane, Ponciau, who the Judge said "peddled misery" and played a "significant role" in the gang, was sentenced to four years in prison for being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Ricky Lee Jones, 28, of Ffordd Lanerch, Penycae, was given two years in prison for conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
Natalie Edwards, 34, of Oxford Street, Wrexham was given two years in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Daniel Michael John Goodwin, 24, of Ash Grove, Chirk, has been locked up for two years for supplying ammunition to ringleader William Michael Smith.
Andrew Owen, 31, of Maes Y Ficerdy, Rhos, Wrexham, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
Jack Pritchard, 24, of Bradley, played a lesser role, the judge said and was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, for offering to supply cocaine.
Hear what the police had to say about this operation
As part of the operation, the force arrested 14 individuals and charged 11, while more than 1,000 exhibits required reviewing.
Police also inspected 163 mobiles and electronic devices, and 409 statements were taken from 178 witnesses.
Judge's remarks
During his initial sentencing remarks at Mold Crown Court Judge Geraint Walters said: "During 2015 the police carried out a focused, determined and hugely effective covert operation targeting the activities of a criminal gang operating in North East Wales.
"The evidence they have managed to gather during that operation established an organised crime gang was operating in that part of Wales whose activities included supplying drugs and the inflicting of damage on property.
"This team was prepared to inflict serious damage on both property and prepared always to inflict serious physical harm.
"The gang possessed an array of weapons they were prepared to petrol bomb property and serious violence with the use of weapons. Of particular concern was that this gang had access to a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition which demonstrates their willingness to engage in the most serious criminal conduct.
"There is evidence they were prepared to accept commission to inflict violence in return for money or drugs.
"In my judgement this team presented a serious threat to law and order in the area in which they operated."
North East Wales communities 'now safer'
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Arwyn Jones, the senior investigating officer for North Wales Police said: “The communities of North East Wales are far safer places now that Smith and his thugs are behind bars.
"This has been a protracted, complex and sometimes distressing investigation into the activities of an organised crime group and the violence, fear and misery they have inflicted.
“This criminal gang contained a number of violent individuals who would use and threaten violence as part of their criminality.
“However, the communities in which they operated were not prepared to tolerate this behaviour. I am grateful for their support and encouragement and I’m sure the sentencing will bring a huge sense of relief locally.
“It’s also another excellent example of how we can work with the community and together rid our streets of this plague. All it takes is a phone call to provide us with that one piece of information that will crack a case.
“The investigation into serious and organised crime groups in our communities will continue and if you can help contact North Wales Police on 101 or alternatively via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-crime-gang-who-launched-11519243
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