Cocaine gang sentenced after drug raids

Gang members (top row, from left) Kenny Harding, Sonny Hermitt, Shelby Gaunt, (bottom row, from left) Ethan Start, Kenny Ancliffe, Louis Edmundson

Six members of an organised crime group have been handed prison sentences for supplying cocaine across Hull.

Humberside Police began an investigation in 2023 and said officers discovered "significant amounts" of class A drugs, weapons including a "zombie-style sword" and £22,900 in cash when they raided the homes of suspects.

Five men pleaded guilty to drug offences and were jailed for between two and five years at Hull Crown Court on 11 September. A woman was given a two-year suspended prison term.

Det Con Ross Patterson, who led the investigation, said the operation had prevented "significant amounts of drugs being sold on the streets of Hull and beyond".

The "complex" investigation lasted two and a half years.

Several mobile phones were seized when warrants were executed at the homes of all six defendants. They provided evidence of drug supply lines, police said.

Det Con Patterson added: "This case serves as a clear reminder that those involved in drug supply will be identified and prosecuted."

Jail terms

Ethan Start, 27, of Ashworthy Close, Hull, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was jailed for five years and two months. He was also handed a 12-month sentence for violent disorder.

Kenny Ancliffe, 33, of Crayford Close, Hull, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was jailed for four years and eight months.

Louis Edmundson, 26, of Deerhurst Grove, Hull, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs. He was jailed for four years and two months.

Kenny Harding, 37, of Haydock Garth, Hull, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was jailed for four years six months.

Sonny Hermitt, 35, of Moorehouse Road, Hull, pleaded guilty to being concerned in supplying cocaine and was jailed for three years. He was also sentenced to a four-month term for breaching a suspended sentence.

Shelby Gaunt, 31, Deerhurst Grove, Hull, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 12 months.

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