THE illegal enterprise of supplying drug-infused gummy sweets by a then-couple has been rumbled by police.

On November 22, 2022, officers from Cheshire Police acted on intelligence and executed a warrant at an address on Waywell Close in Cinnamon Brow.

From inside the address, of Dawn Wilkinson and Liam Wimbleton, officers seized a number of items relating to drug dealing, Liverpool Crown Court heard from Paul Blasberry, prosecuting.

These included tubs of cannabis and cannabis gummies, gummy maker equipment, ingredients to make the gummies and dried mushrooms.

They also seized £525 in cash and two mobile phones, which were sent for a forensic analysis.

Messages advertising drugs were found on the phones, as well as messages between the pair discussing the drugs.

Both Wilkinson, aged 36, and Wimbleton, aged 39, were subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply LSD, cannabis, psilocin, cannabis edibles and cannabis resin.

Having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, they were sentenced back at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday.

Liverpool Crown Court

Liverpool Crown Court

Wilkinson was sentenced to 20 months in prison suspended for 12 months, while Wimbleton was handed a 32-month immediate jail term.

Defending Wilkinson, Jim Smith commented that his client, a mum-of-two, one of which has additional needs, has experienced ‘tragic life events’.

Representing her client, Sarah Grifin said that Wimbleton is currently undergoing treatment for a broken foot.

“The defendant had his own business, a sandwich shop, which closed during lockdown,” she said.

“He turned to using cannabis, which led to him dealing cannabis, and then class A drug dealing.”

It was also said that he was working as a chef at Juniper Farm pub in Woolston and has managed to stay out of trouble since he was arrested.

The sentence was welcomed by sergeant Kerry Barber who said: “We have taken another two dealers and their drugs off the streets and will continue to do so.

“I hope this reassures people that we do act on information, and with your help we can pursue those who bring our communities down with their illegal activity.”