Southend: Drug dealers jailed

Work by our officers to stamp out gang activity in Southend has led to two men being jailed for a total of more than nine years.

A sustained and significant policing operation was launched last October resulted in a 40 percent fall in serious violence in the city.

It was put in place following a small number of incidents over the summer.

As part of this activity warrants were carried out in Great Wakering and Shoebury on 4 November with two men arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Officers also seized Class A drugs, cash, and weapons during searches of the premises.

Twenty-eight year Tommy Slingo, of Chelmer Way, Shoeburyness was charged and later admitted offences of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and possession of an pointed/bladed article in public place.

Twenty-two year-old Callum Brighting, of St John’s Road, Great Wakering was charged and admitted offences of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of criminal property.

Officers were able to establish the pair had been involved in the supply of Class A drugs into Southend.

At Basildon Crown Court on 24 February Brighting was sentenced to a total of six years and 10 months in prison while Slingo was jailed for two years and four months.

Chief Inspector Dave Browning, District Commander for Southend, said:

“We have been relentless in our pursuit of the small group of people who’ve caused issues in our community.

“As a result of this work Brighting and Slingo are facing the foreseeable future behind bars and Southend is safer for that.

“The sale of drugs goes hand-in-hand with violence and exploitation, and it causes misery.

“We are continuing to target those causing harm, this work does not stop.

“My message is clear – if you think you can come to Southend and commit crime and violence, think again.

“You will be met by my officers and you will be dealt with.”

Chief Inspector Browning added:

“We can only do this work with the support of the public, in terms of reporting concerning behaviour or incidents to us. We’re really fortunate that 78% of people in Southend tell us that they believe we’re doing a good or excellent job.

“I know there’s still more to work on – there always is – but we’re thankful to the public for their help. I know the incidents which made news headlines last summer are not reflective of our city and I hope our community feels that way too.”

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