Jail for men with 'key roles' in cocaine supply

The court heard how Daniel London, Christoffel Van Rossum and Matthew Carley sent encrypted messages as they transported drugs

Three men whose "lifestyle far exceeded their legitimate income" have been jailed for supplying cocaine.

Christoffel Van Rossum, from Essex, Matthew Carley and Daniel London, both from Norfolk, communicated via encrypted messages as they transported the drug, Norwich Crown Court heard.

A police spokesman said all three - sentenced for conspiracy to supply class A drugs - had "key roles" distributing "commercial quantities of cocaine" across Norfolk.

Van Rossum, who had also admitted possessing criminal property, was jailed for eight years and six months, Carley was given a seven-year sentence and London was jailed for six years and nine months.

Detrimental impact

"Their sentences reflect the hugely detrimental impact this type of offending has on our local communities," said Det Sgt Eddie Hammond, of the Norfolk and Suffolk Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

Earlier John Evison, prosecuting, had told the court: "There’s a large quantity of cash involved - £75k - and we seek to pursue that in proceeds of crime proceedings.

"Their lifestyle far exceeded their legitimate income," he said.

Mr Evison said Van Rossum, 48, of Crittall Road, Witham, had £56,000 when he was stopped after a drug drop.

When Van Rossum was taken into custody, the court was told, he said "that is what happens when you are skint".

Evidence gathered from encrypted mobile phone messages linked the men to a wider network supplying drugs in King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth.

The three men were sentenced by a judge at Norwich Crown Court

During the hearing, London, 33, of Egyptian Goose Road, Norwich, was described as "extremely vulnerable".

John Morgans, defending, said: "He has tried to read and write and it’s beyond him. He is proud that he has been able to learn to wash up."

Huda Musa, defending Carley, 54, from Breck Road, Norwich, said his client had got involved in drugs because of physical pain he suffered and financial difficulties.

Ioana Nedelcu, defending Van Rossum, said his client had undertaken educational courses and was now "a different man".