A woman has appeared at Hull Crown Court after she took a photograph of her then boyfriend lying on a bed covered in banknotes, proceeds from drug dealing on the streets of Hull. The image, captured by Marley Hadfield, 22, showed only Thomas Crombie's face, with the rest of his body obscured by £10 and £20 notes.
Evidence Presented in Court
A video of Hadfield was also shown during the proceedings, in which she boasted about her success in selling Class A drugs. The evidence was presented before the pair were sentenced for drug offences. Both Crombie, 23, of Taylor Avenue, Hull, but recently in custody on remand, and Hadfield, of Bainton Grove, Hull, admitted possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply at a property on Carden Avenue, Hull, on June 12 last year. Crombie also pleaded guilty to acquiring or possessing money as criminal property and possessing cannabis.
Police Raid and Analysis
The court heard that Hadfield submitted a basis of plea concerning her role in the offences. A Humberside Police drugs expert analysed phones seized during a drugs raid, in which officers discovered £10,000 worth of drugs and £10,000 in cash. The expert stated that the phones showed evidence of drug dealing and that messages did not indicate Hadfield was under any pressure to sell drugs.
Defence Arguments
Richard Butters, defence barrister for Crombie, argued: "There was no evidence that he was controlling her – and the female was a point of contact for people who wanted drugs. They are jointly concerned." Hadfield claimed she only sold drugs because she was "manipulated" by her boyfriend, whom she had known for four years since their schooldays. In tears, she asserted in court that she had never received any financial benefit from dealing Class A drugs. She stated: "I'm not involved. I got nothing for it. I only got a takeaway meal once. I could not refuse his request. I would have done anything for him because I loved him."
Prosecution's Claims
Oliver Shipley, prosecuting, said that Crombie was injured in a cycling accident and suffered an ankle injury, using crutches to get around. Hadfield continued the drug-selling operation, Shipley claimed. "When he was not able to deal in drugs, you picked up the slack," he said. "You weighed the bags and dealt the drugs?" Hadfield denied controlling the operation.
Sentencing
Judge John Thackray KC dismissed Hadfield's claims, concluding she was "a willing participant" in the drug dealing. Crombie was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. Hadfield received a two-year suspended prison sentence, with 200 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation. She must also pay a £187 victims' surcharge. The £5,000 cash seized will be forfeited and donated to St Paul's boxing club charity in Hull.
