A solicitor accused of being concerned in drug dealing made comments about Port Talbot residents 'shovelling (cocaine) down their necks' while supporting a friend barred from policing after testing positive for cocaine, a court has heard.
Background of the Case
Ben Garvey, 38, of Port Talbot, is also accused of supplying steroids and encouraging friends to purchase cocaine in messages found in a WhatsApp group named 'The Old C***s'. He later represented his cocaine dealer Daniel Baker, 34, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Garvey passed messages from Baker's runner Jake Blackburn, 28, to his client while Baker was incarcerated, Bristol Crown Court heard.
Garvey was a solicitor and previously a partner at David W Harris Solicitors & Co based in Swansea, Pontypridd, and Talbot Green.
WhatsApp Messages Revealed
The court heard that Garvey's association with Baker began in summer 2021, when it is alleged Garvey purchased cocaine from Baker for himself and friends. On Monday, messages from the WhatsApp group 'The Old C***s' were presented, which included Garvey and David Kingdon, a former South Wales Police officer barred from the profession after testing positive for cocaine.
In a message to the group, Kingdon told friends he was 'doing fine' after news of his misconduct hearing spread. Garvey responded: 'It doesn't need to be said brother but f*** everyone. We are your brothers and we will defend you to the hilt. Every c*** in Port Talbot is shovelling it (cocaine) down their neck week in, week out.'
Prosecution's Opening
Prosecutor Ray Tully KC told the court: '[Garvey] was planning for a big night out and there was the suggestion they would need to have access to cocaine to have the use of during their big night out.'
Mr Tully said Baker was the organiser of an organised crime group instrumental in the supply of cocaine. After Baker's arrest in 2021, messages revealed Garvey arranging to meet Baker for cocaine purchases. It is alleged there were two meet-ups in a 12-hour period where Garvey bought cocaine from Baker for himself and others. Blackburn also sold cocaine to Garvey on Baker's behalf when Baker was unavailable.
Perverting the Course of Justice
Mr Tully said the most serious charge is perverting the course of justice, which all three defendants face. After Baker's arrest on August 18, 2021, he requested representation by David W Harris Solicitors & Co. Mr Tully said: 'He would have known Mr Garvey was a solicitor who acted for that firm and came to be represented by Mr Garvey, represented by someone he knew and supplied drugs to in the past.'
The court heard Garvey was in frequent phone contact with Blackburn after Baker's remand. One message from Blackburn to Garvey read: 'Tell Dan Oxford's sorted, everything else by tonight.' Another read: 'iCloud username and password.'
Further Allegations
Messages on Garvey's phone allegedly reveal he was concerned in the supply of steroids in 2013 and was part of 'The Old C***s' group where he encouraged friends to buy cocaine. Images from the group included photos and videos of cocaine and people using it.
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.
