A drug dealer found with more than £162,000 in her bank account has been spared jail. Police searched a property in Wallsend, North Tyneside, where Trudi Gilhespie was present, and found a quantity of amphetamine.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that investigations revealed £162,786.70 of unexplained transactions in her bank account. Officers also found messages in which people were asking for “wizz” and “speed”. The court heard how Josh Attril, who was previously in a relationship with Gilhespie, had also messaged her asking her to supply him with the drug.
Guilty Pleas and Court Proceedings
Attril admitted having amphetamine and supplying small amounts to others but said Gilhespie was not involved. When interviewed following the 2021 property search, Gilhespie denied being concerned in the supply of drugs. The court agreed that £77,540.19 in her bank account had related to drug dealing.
Gilhespie, of Collingwood Close, North Shields, later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of amphetamine and possessing criminal property. Attril, of Wyndham Way, North Shields, admitted possession of amphetamine with intent to supply.
Defence Statements and Sentencing
Nicoleta Alistari, defending Gilhespie, told the court that her client claims the co-defendant was involved and that he was how she got into trouble in the first place. She said: “Although she accepts full responsibility.” Ms Alistari added: “She was still working at the time. She was working two jobs, low paying jobs. She hasn't any great wealth. She has a debt relief order in place.”
Rachel Hedworth, defending Attril, said he entered a guilty plea on the basis that he was a prolific user of the drug at the time, most would have been for personal use, and he would have sold a small amount to fund his addiction. She said he had no access to the bank account in the name of Trudi Gilhespie and that it was “absolutely not accepted” by Attril that he had been responsible for getting her involved in the offending behaviour.
Judge's Remarks and Outcome
Judge Tim Gittins told Gilhespie: “Police found messages on a phone that were indicative of you being involved in the supply of amphetamine and you, Josh Attril, engaged in that to a lesser extent and asked for drugs indeed from your co-accused on one occasion.” He said the amount of money obviously represents a significant quantity of amphetamine.
Judge Gittins said: “Ultimately what I have decided is in both your cases the order does not require immediate imprisonment.” Gilhespie was handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and an 18-month probation requirement. Attril was given an 18-month community order and an 18-month probation requirement.
