A dad started a drug dealing operation to cover household expenses after a motorcycle crash left him unable to work. In December 2023, Richard Roughley, 33, began selling cocaine from the family home he shared with his partner and two children.
However, on January 11, 2024, police carried out a warrant at the property in Lea Crescent, Ormskirk, and discovered a glass jar containing two wraps of the class A drug. Officers also uncovered a tick list of people who owed him money and three mobile phones. One of the devices contained messages which revealed Roughley had been dealing cocaine for approximately three weeks, Preston Crown Court heard.
Roughley was arrested and pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, reports Lancs Live. During sentencing, Judge Philip Parry said: “The two wraps of cocaine that were found don’t really tell the full story. What does tell the full story is the contents of that mobile phone in which you were conducting your own independent drugs line.”
“No-one was telling you what to do. You weren’t doing it for anyone else. You just decided to make some money by selling cocaine, and that is what you were doing for three weeks or so.
“I have read the pre-sentence report which tells me about your background. You had a terrible motorcycle accident which meant you could not work any more or pay your bills. As a result of that, you yourself being a user of cocaine asked your supplier if you could supply cocaine aswell.
“He said you could, and you took it upon yourself to do exactly that. You were supplying to people from your own phone line – you knew exactly what you were doing. You were involved in the use of drugs and knew how much money could be made.
“I am afraid people find themselves struggling for money all the time and they don’t turn to selling class A drugs to pay their bills. You made a decision to run your own mini drugs operation.”
The judge acknowledged there had been considerable delays in bringing the matter before the court and recognised that Roughley had made efforts to turn his life around during this period.
However, he emphasised the seriousness of the offence warranted an immediate custodial sentence.
He sentenced Roughley to two years and eight months imprisonment.
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