A solicitor accused of drug dealing told Bristol Crown Court that messages he shared in a WhatsApp group about cocaine were made during "the worst time of their lives". Ben Garvey, 38, from Port Talbot, is on trial accused of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, perverting the course of justice, supplying steroids, and encouraging friends to purchase cocaine via messages in a group called "The Old C***s".
Messages in WhatsApp group
The court heard the group contained around 18,000 messages over an 18-month period in 2020 and 2021, including pictures of cocaine on scales, in bags, and lines being snorted. Prosecutor Ray Tully KC read some of the messages to the court.
Garvey represented alleged cocaine dealer Daniel Baker, 34, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a class A drug. Garvey is accused of perverting the course of justice by passing messages from Baker's runner Jake Blackburn, 28, to his client while in police custody.
Personal circumstances
During cross-examination, Garvey said: "That was the worst period of my life ever from July 17, 2020, through to 2021. That period was horrendous." He told the court his daughter was born in July 2020, a difficult birth, and days later his wife's father disappeared while walking his dog and was later found dead.
Garvey added: "At this time I'm dealing with a lot with my mental health. I have seen things (in the group chat) that maybe I should have said something about."
Reaction to messages
One message read: "Trying to do a gram on the side is a nightmare." Another replied: "I just smashed two upstairs in four lines. Started sniffing with a runny nose at 7pm. Ground work." Garvey replied: "Love that, man with a plan. I had a cold for seven and a half months before."
When asked about these messages, Garvey said: "These are stupid comments. It's just comments in a WhatsApp group saying stupid things. I'm not sat there thinking I want to register my approval, it's just joining in with stupid conversation." He denied his comment about a seven-month cold referred to his own cocaine consumption.
He explained: "It was a relief to have a laugh. My wife and I were going through the worst time of our lives. We were struggling and arguing. There was a lot going on." He said they were undergoing grief and PTSD counselling.
Charges and co-defendants
Garvey denies perverting the course of justice, being concerned in the supply of class A and C drugs, and encouraging or assisting an offence. Baker, of Sandfields, Port Talbot, denies perverting the course of justice but previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Blackburn, also of Sandfields, denies perverting the course of justice but changed his plea to guilty for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. The trial continues.
