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Attacker's sentence extended after drug dealing

Dan Thompson
17/ 3/2008

A CROOK already serving time for a vicious assault has admitted conspiring to deal cocaine.

Michael Anthony Nevin, 21, is currently behind bars on a six-year stretch for the attack but had his sentenced increased by 24 months today (Monday 17 March) after he was convicted of the drugs offence.

Nevin, of Addison Drive, Boarshaw, had been seen carrying a drugs press and hydraulic jack into an accomplice's flat.

Police swooped on the home on Kevin Faulkner and found a self-load pistol wrapped in a white plastic carrier and several items of drugs paraphernalia

Examination of the drugs press and the hydraulic jack - plus a vacuum cleaner, two sets of scales and a food blender - revealed traces of cocaine.

Faulkner, 27, of St David's Court, Strangeways, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs, as well as violent disorder and possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to a total of eight years and six months in prison.

A third conspirator, John Lee Barnett, 27, of Woodlands Road in Cheetham Hill, admitted to various drug offences and was jailed for five years.

GMP's Detective Sergeant Chris Potter, speaking after the three were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, said: “Faulkner is clearly a dangerous man involved in all levels of crime, from violence to the more serious of firearms and drugs.

“Nevin and Barrett are clear associates of Faulkner and directly involved in supplying class A drugs which were undoubtedly headed for the streets of Greater Manchester.

“I hope their sentences send out a clear warning to anyone else involved in this type of criminal activity."

Nevin, Faulkner and Barrett were seen to pull up outside Faulkner's apartment and get out of a blue Mercedes on Wednesday 16 August 2006.

Faulkner and Nevin walked to the boot of the car and carried a hydraulic jack and press into Faulkner's flat. Barrett then carried a mould into the address before getting back in his car and driving off.

A raid by the Armed Crime Unit and the Tactical Aid Unit brought the three men to justice.