Solicitor Ben Garvey told police there had been a 'mix-up' as he was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing and assisting the leader of an organised crime group he was representing, a court has heard. When police entered his home and began seizing his electronic devices, he said: 'I can explain it – this is insane'.
Background of the Case
Ben Garvey, 38, of Port Talbot, is accused of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and steroids and of perverting the course of justice. He also allegedly encouraged his friends to purchase cocaine in messages found in a WhatsApp group named 'The Old C***s'. He later went on to represent his cocaine dealer Daniel Baker, 34, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, and passed on messages from Baker's runner Jake Blackburn, 28, to his client while Baker was incarcerated, Bristol Crown Court has heard.
The trial heard Garvey was a solicitor and previously a partner at David W Harris Solicitors & Co based in Swansea, Pontypridd, and Talbot Green.
Prosecution's Opening
In his opening to the court on Thursday, prosecutor Ray Tully KC said: '[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.' The prosecution's case is that Daniel Baker, as of the summer of 2021, was the organiser of an organised crime group instrumental in the supply of cocaine. Following Baker's arrest in 2021, messages came to light of Garvey arranging to meet with Baker to purchase cocaine.
It is alleged there were two meet-ups between Garvey and Baker in a 12-hour period during which Garvey purchased cocaine from Baker for himself and others. It is also alleged that Blackburn sold cocaine to Garvey on Baker's behalf when Baker was unavailable.
Perverting the Course of Justice
Mr Tully said the most serious charge was of perverting the course of justice, which all three defendants are accused of. Following Baker's arrest on August 18, 2021, he asked to be represented 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 following Baker's remand in prison. One message from Blackburn to Garvey read: 'Tell Dan Oxford's sorted, everything else by tonight.' Another message read: 'iCloud username and password.' As a result of messages discovered on Baker's phone, Garvey and Blackburn were arrested and their electronic devices were seized.
Arrest and Evidence
On Friday the trial heard Garvey was arrested on September 14, 2023, and police began a search of his home. During his arrest Garvey said: 'Whatever has happened here is a mix-up. I can explain it – this is insane.' Among the items seized from his home were steroids, £3,000 in cash, an iPhone, an iPad, and a Dell laptop.
In a prepared statement provided to the police, Garvey denied perverting the course of justice while representing Baker. He said he had known Baker for 10 years and met with him to provide legal advice. The defendant denied being in possession of Class A drugs or encouraging others to use cocaine. Garvey said during one meeting with Baker there was champagne in his car and he offered to put him in touch with the owner of Juniper Place in Swansea who may be interested in buying it.
WhatsApp Group Messages
When asked about the WhatsApp group he was a member of, he referred to the messages as 'dark humour' and 'banter', claiming references to using cocaine was 'bulls***'. He said he had never possessed, used, or supplied drugs and claimed people had sent him money in relation to expenses on nights out.
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.
