An EncroChat drug trafficker who plotted to supply more than 150kg of heroin, cocaine and cannabis was unmasked after attending a barbecue. Garage owner Bradley Thompson, 40, used the handle "Mind Waiter" on the encrypted platform before French police infiltrated the network in 2020. His messages led officers to his door more than five years later, and he was jailed for 14 years at Liverpool Crown Court.
How He Was Identified
Thompson was identified as the user of the "Mind Waiter" account after using his son's name as the lock screen password of his device, which was also found to "predominantly locate" close to his address. He made references in his messages to "R Helen" and her date of birth, matching his aunt's details. He also spoke of attending a barbecue at the home of the boyfriend of a relative of his partner, who himself was convicted of EncroChat-related offences.
He was further incriminated by mentions of his own birthday, his garage business, his partner's name, and his mother's address. Overall, Thompson was involved in discussions relating to the supply of 135kg of heroin, 6kg of cocaine, and 10kg of cannabis. His messages included mention of "pies and slots in vans," or hides in vehicles used to transport drugs, and "sending someone to Hyundai in Leicester for parts" as cover for moving his wares.
Court Details and Defence
Thompson has five previous convictions for 11 offences, including a 15-month sentence for being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. His defence counsel, Lloyd Morgan, said his client had suffered a stroke in 2022, with health issues having a "marked effect" on him since. Morgan argued Thompson was "not at the top of the tree" and was "acting on instructions" from the user of the handle "Loyal Owl," though the prosecution submitted they were "both of an equal standing."
Morgan added: "Genuine remorse is evidenced by the letter he has written and that from his mother, explaining about the steps he has taken to rehabilitate himself, and the length of time since the offending concluded. He is an orderly on his wing, a trusted position. He is mentoring other prisoners. He has seen the light, as it were, and taken steps to ensure that he does not fall back into any criminal offending when he is released."
Sentencing and Impact
Thompson admitted conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis, conspiracy to produce heroin, and two counts of possession of criminal property. Appearing via video link wearing a grey t-shirt and glasses, he was jailed for 14 years.
Sentencing, Recorder Mark Ainsworth said: "In this case, the levels we are concerned with are substantial. It is frequently said in these cases, and I say it again now, that one cannot underestimate the impact that the trafficking in drugs, in particular class A drugs, has within society. Drugs such as heroin and cocaine cause havoc to people's lives and to their relationships. It causes misery. That is why people who engage in the trafficking of these drugs regularly go to prison, and those who engage in the large scale trafficking of these drugs go to prison for a very long time."
He added: "It is clear that you were organising and directing the buying and selling on a commercial scale. It is clear that you had substantial links to and influence on others in the chain. It is clear that you were close to the original source, and it is clear that you were acting in expectation of significant financial advantage."
