Brandon McGee, a 21-year-old drug dealer known as "Scouse Tommy," was sentenced to 37 months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday. McGee told the judge, "I've made mistakes, but that's how you grow as a person," as he was jailed for possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of heroin, cocaine and cannabis, possession of criminal property, and affray.
Drug bust at Southport flat
On July 31, 2024, police observed a suspected drug user outside a block of flats on Eastbank Street in Southport. An occupant attempted to throw a bag out of a window but pulled it back inside after hearing "The bizzies are outside." Officers entered the address and arrested McGee, seizing £710 worth of heroin and crack cocaine from an Under Armour bag containing his clothing, along with a quantity of cash. McGee initially denied knowledge of the drugs but messages on his phone revealed discussions about drop-off points and prices for class A and B drugs, indicating he was the "holder of a graft line" operating from his uncle's bedsit.
Pub brawl after mother slapped
While on bail, McGee became involved in a "large scale fight" at the Wild Rose pub on Stanley Road in Bootle on December 30, 2024. His mother accused a man of assaulting her, but CCTV showed she had approached the man first before being slapped. McGee threw several punches during the melee, while his brother allegedly smashed a glass bottle and held it to the man's neck. McGee did not use a weapon or encourage his brother's actions.
Warrington drug line
On March 26, 2025, police investigating a drug line called "Scouse Tommy" in Warrington seized £800 of cocaine, £420 of heroin, and £136.90 in cash from an address on Barrymore Avenue. McGee was linked to the operation via CCTV showing him purchasing top-ups for graft phones, which co-located with his personal number in Merseyside and Cheshire. Nearly 1,000 messages advertising class A drugs were sent out during that month. Prosecutor Caitlin McLachlan stated, "The defendant was the controller of that line and was utilising the address of a known drug user in order to facilitate the running of that phone."
Defence and remorse
David Birrell, defending, explained that McGee had a difficult upbringing, was homeless since age 14, and was co-opted by sophisticated drug dealers. He noted McGee's remorse, his work as a wing cleaner, and a course in fabrications. McGee read a letter to the court, saying, "I've just turned 21 in jail. It's made me think more about my future. There's more to life than being stuck in a cell." Recorder Emma Fisher acknowledged his motivation to turn his life around but said there was "no alternative to custody." McGee responded, "Thank you very much miss, thank you." His mother and brother deny affray and await trial.
