'Bulk text' dealers sentenced for supplying drugs

Police say officers found a gun when they searched Darnell Fuller's home

A pair of drug dealers have been sentenced for their part in supplying heroin and crack cocaine to towns and villages across north Leicestershire.

Police said Darnell Fuller and Jamie Pladgeman used multiple phones to send bulk texts to entice drug users in Coalville, Ellistown, Hugglescote and Shepshed.

Detectives said both were arrested in March 2022, and police then found ammunition and a firearm at Fuller's home.

Fuller was jailed for seven years and Pladgeman was given a suspended sentence at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

'Targeting vulnerable people'

Leicestershire Police said Fuller, 25, of Lancaster Way, Nottingham, previously admitted being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – heroin, one count of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – crack cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm.

Pladgeman, 33, of Pevensey Road, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – heroin and one count of being concerned in the supply of class A drug – crack cocaine, the force added.

He was given a two-year jail term, suspended for two years.

Following the sentencing, Det Con Chris Fox said: "Fuller and Pladgeman were part of a wider group who developed a system targeting vulnerable people in our communities.

"They knew by sending bulk text messages, drug users would come forward.

“By operating from Nottinghamshire, I believe they thought they wouldn’t be caught.

"Pladgeman was their local contact within Leicestershire and he was seen selling drugs on the streets of north west Leicestershire on several occasions."

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