Andrew Gunn (Image: North Wales Police)
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A 52-year-old man who continued dealing cocaine in Holyhead even after being granted bail for earlier drug offences has been sentenced to more than three-and-a-half years behind bars.
Andrew Gunn, of Gilbert Street, Holyhead, had previously admitted charges of possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court for sentencing yesterday.
Repeated offending while on bail
Prosecutor David Mainstone told the court that Gunn had been spotted by officers in December 2024, shortly after being granted crown court bail for earlier drug charges. He was seen leaving the George pub and exchanging something with a person sitting in a car.
Officers detained Gunn and carried out a strip search at his home address. He admitted he had concealed drugs inside his boxer shorts and handed over a sock containing snap bags of cocaine with a street value estimated between £385 and £630. Further drugs paraphernalia was also recovered from his flat during a search.
That was not the first time Gunn had been caught in 2024. Earlier that year, officers observed him in a car park on Boston Street, apparently dealing to a driver. He was found carrying a bag of cocaine and £100 in cash. A subsequent search of his flat uncovered more cocaine, already divided into individual deals. Gunn told police the drugs were for personal use, Mr Mainstone said.
Initial raid and wholesale equipment
The chain of offending stretched back to January 2022, when police searched Gunn’s Holyhead home and discovered 14 snap bags of cocaine ready for sale, valued at between £560 and £700. Officers also found cash, weighing scales, and evidence that the drug had recently been divided up.
Crucially, empty snap bags and a hydraulic press – used to compress large quantities of drugs into blocks – were also seized. Mr Mainstone said this suggested Gunn had been branching out into wholesale supply to other dealers.
Gunn told officers the cocaine was for personal use and that a list of names found at the property was a record of people he owed money to. He claimed the hydraulic press was for cutting tiles.
Financial evidence
An investigation into Gunn’s bank accounts revealed a large number of unexplained cash deposits and transfers made during 2021 and 2022, totalling around £14,000. He told investigators the money came from loans from friends.
Defence arguments
Ryan Rothwell, defending, said his client had “significant mental health difficulties” and had been deeply affected by the death of his mother. He told the court Gunn had been homeless and “sofa surfing”, had developed a cocaine addiction, and had accumulated debts.
Mr Rothwell said Gunn had also worked for many years and wanted to return to employment. He argued that a community sentence might be more appropriate, despite the seriousness of the offences, in order to give Gunn a chance at rehabilitation.
Sentencing
Judge Nicola Jones rejected that submission, saying Gunn’s life was currently “so chaotic” that there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation at this stage. She sentenced him to 43 months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence. No further costs or charges were imposed.
The court heard Gunn had five previous convictions for seven offences, including assault and possessing cocaine.
Addressing Gunn directly, Judge Jones said: “Please Mr Gunn do not let this sentence crush you, it seems to me you just need a reset.”
She said he would receive the medical and mental health support he needed while in prison, along with help to secure accommodation upon release.
“It is a very sad day to see you brought so low and it gives me absolutely no pleasure to send you to prison.”
The judge also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all drug-related items seized.
