A DRUG dealer who led officers on a pursuit across the county including the M56 at Warrington, has been jailed.
Neil Corrigan appeared at Chester Crown Court today (May 9) where he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was also banned from driving for five years and four months.
The 42-year-old, of Main Street, Cayton, Scarborough, had earlier pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (heroin), dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.
The court heard how at around 5.30pm on Tuesday 5 March, officers attempted to stop a white Mercedes Sprinter van driven by Corrigan on the M56, near Warrington.
Corrigan failed to stop and threw a large package out of the window before making off at speed. Officers pursued his vehicle as it travelled along the M56 into Manchester and then onto the A555 towards Manchester Airport.
The van subsequently came to a stop after driving through a barrier near the entrance of a multi-storey car park at Terminal One. Corrigan attempted to make off on foot, but was quickly arrested near to the Radisson Blue Hotel.
Officers subsequently returned to the M56 where they recovered two brown packages each containing 1kg of Heroin.
Another two empty brown bags were also recovered, containing the remnants of a large amount of Heroin which had spilt over the carriageway.
A police drugs expert estimated that the 2kg of Heroin which was recovered by officers had a street value of £142,850.00. Meaning that it is likely that Corrigan was transporting more than £285,000 worth of illegal drugs in total.
Following the sentencing Chief Inspector John Forshaw, of the Cheshire Police Road and Crime unit, said: “This is another fantastic result which has led to the removal of a large quantity of illegal drugs from the streets of Cheshire and further afield.
“The manner of Corrigan’s driving was extremely dangerous, showing no regard for the safety of innocent members of the public as part of his failed attempt to flee officers.
“Thankfully, as a result of the work of the skilled and dedicated officers in the Roads and Crime Unit, we were able to bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion and Corrigan is now being held accountable for his actions.
“We are committed to doing all we can to crackdown on those who bring misery to our communities, helping to ensure Cheshire remains a hostile environment for those intent on committing crime.
“If you have any concerns about drug activity in your community, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via 101 or online at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us .”
