Thomas Crombie, 23, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison after a photograph emerged of him grinning while buried beneath more than a hundred £10 and £20 banknotes. The image was taken by his then-girlfriend Marley Hadfield, 22, who was also involved in the drug supply operation.
Discovery During Police Raid
Humberside Police executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at a house on Carden Avenue in Hull, East Yorkshire, in June last year. Inside, they found Crombie and Hadfield along with a large quantity of drugs, including cocaine and heroin, valued at an estimated £10,000. Officers also seized approximately £10,000 in cash and multiple mobile devices.
The photograph was discovered during analysis of the devices, showing Crombie smiling on a bed covered in banknotes. Both suspects were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs.
Court Proceedings and Sentences
At Hull Crown Court, Crombie and Hadfield pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply. They also admitted to acquiring or possessing money as criminal property. Crombie was jailed for two years and three months on July 8. He was ordered to forfeit £5,000, which will be donated to St Paul’s Boxing Club in Hull. The judge also approved the forfeiture and destruction of drugs and paraphernalia, and Crombie must pay a victim surcharge.
Hadfield received a two-year suspended sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and must also pay a victim surcharge.
Defense Arguments and Judge's Ruling
Crombie claimed he was threatened and terrified of repercussions if he did not deal drugs. His barrister, Richard Butters, argued there was no evidence he controlled Hadfield. Crombie said he spoiled Hadfield with expensive gifts, including clothes, gold jewelry, and an electric bike. Prosecutor Oliver Shipley noted that Crombie had an ankle injury from a cycling accident, requiring crutches, leaving Hadfield to continue supplying drugs.
Judge John Thackray KC dismissed Hadfield's claim that she was manipulated, stating she was a willing participant in the drug dealing operation.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Applebee said: “Whilst in custody and during interview, Crombie claimed that he was being threatened and that he was terrified of the repercussions if he did not do what others were forcing him to do, which is why he was agreeing to supply drugs on the streets of Hull.
“Mobile photo analysis, however, provided evidence on the contrary, where a photo discovered on the device showed him with a huge smile on his face seemingly basking in the glory of the amount of money he was making from selling them.
“Hadfield also initially claimed she had no knowledge what was going on and then alleged she was being forced into it. In fact, she could be considered his accomplice, with messages found on their devices again not showing any evidence that she was under any pressure to sell drugs at all.
“It was also established that she was the one taking photos of him and reaping the benefits by showing off thousands of pounds worth of criminal money. I hope this result gives a warning to those who think it’s okay to possess drugs in order to supply them across our communities.
“Drugs crime greatly impacts our communities, and we work relentlessly to disrupt and dismantle those responsible. We investigate all information that we receive which enables us to execute warrants and take enforcement action to hold those accountable for their crimes.”
