A solicitor has faced questioning over how he came to represent a man in court who prosecutors allege was his cocaine dealer.
Trial at Bristol Crown Court
Ben Garvey, 38, from Port Talbot, is on trial at Bristol Crown Court accused of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, perverting the course of justice, supplying steroids, and encouraging his friends to purchase cocaine in messages found in a WhatsApp group.
The court heard that Garvey represented his alleged cocaine dealer Daniel Baker, 34, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a class A drug.
Cross-examination by Ray Tully KC
It is alleged Garvey perverted the course of justice by passing on messages from Baker's runner Jake Blackburn, 28, to his client while he was in police custody.
On Tuesday, Garvey was cross examined by Ray Tully KC, who focused on the circumstances of him coming to represent Baker in court.
Mr Tully said: “You heard he was arrested and were pretty keen to get in to represent him. You might have had your own reasons for knowing what the evidence was in relation to Baker, and that’s why you were so keen as mustard to get the case.”
Garvey replied that it had been “normal practice”.
Mr Tully said: “I’m suggesting that you had your reasons for wanting to represent him.”
Garvey responded: “I don’t agree, in the strongest of terms.”
Mr Tully said: “With this particular client, who had supplied you with drugs, you were keen to represent him and do what you could to limit damage. You ended up representing your own drug dealer in the police station and relaying messages to his right hand man. You were in it not up to your eyeballs, but your nostrils.”
Garvey responded: “Absolutely not, I do not accept the assertion you are making.”
Denials and pleas
Garvey, of Vivian Park Drive, Sandfields, Port Talbot, denies perverting the course of justice, being concerned in the supply of class A and C drugs, and encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence.
Baker, of Silver Avenue, Sandfields, Port Talbot, denies perverting the course of justice. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Blackburn, of Chrome Avenue, Sandfields, Port Talbot, denies perverting the course of justice but changed his plea to guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
The trial continues.
