A teenager from Salford who exploited a vulnerable woman has been jailed after being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs in the Warrington area.
Described as a “callous criminal” by police, Isaac Loremikan appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 21 February where he was sentenced to two years and nine months in a young offender’s institute.
The 19-year-old of Croft Street, Salford, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin), possession of class B drugs (cannabis) and failing to surrender to officers.
The court heard how in February 2024 officers from Warrington Local Policing unit were undertaking operation Excel, an ongoing operation which is aimed at protecting vulnerable people from having their homes taken over by exploitative drugs gangs.
As part of the operation officers attended the address of vulnerable 61-year-old woman on Troutbeck Avenue, Warrington, on Tuesday 27 February. After entering the address officers located the woman and her 48-year-old friend, along with Loremikan.
The homeowner told police that she didn’t know Loremikan, but believed he was a friend of the 48-year-old man.
Loremikan was spoken to by officers and initially provided a false name and claimed that he had just come to the address for a sleep while he was waiting to return back to Crewe.
However, officers subsequently identified him as being Isaac Loremikan from Salford and during a search he was found in possession of two mobile phones, more than £300 cash and a box containing cannabis.
Loremikan was arrested at the scene for possession with intent to supply class B drugs and taken to custody. During a search of his phone officers recovered several messages indicated that he was involved in the supply class A drugs.
Following the sentencing, Police Constable Matthew Salmon, of Warrington Problem Solving Team said: “Loremikan is simply a callous criminal who exploited a vulnerable woman in order to profit from drug dealing, and I welcome the sentence that has been handed to him.
“Illegal drugs can have a devastating impact on not only drug users but the community around them.
“Here in Warrington, we are doing all we can to stop drug activity on our streets to make the town a safer place to live and visit while also making it extremely difficult for these gangs to operate.
“However, this is not an issue that we can tackle alone, and I want to take this opportunity to urge residents to keep spotting the signs of vulnerability. Keep an eye out if they feel something isn’t right and to report it to us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“We will always act on any information we receive, and I would urge anyone who believes this activity is happening near to them, to get in touch.”
