Four sentenced for cocaine supply offences in Bristol

Barnes-Sargeant, Bridges, Joyner and O'Shea were sentenced for their involvement in supplying drugs to the city

Four people have been sentenced to a total of 20 years for supplying drugs worth almost half a million pounds.

Austen Barnes-Sargeant, Carlie Bridges, Kyle Joyner and Paul O'Shea were all sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 28 March.

Police seized large amounts of cocaine, cash, cannabis, drug paraphernalia and weapons during searches.

Det Ch Insp Ben Lavender said the group "sought to profit from other people's misery brought on by drug use."

The significant policing operation took place over the span of six months last year, and specifically targeted the group.

The first arrest was made on 9 March 2023 when officers pulled over Barnes-Sargeant in Filton amid concerns about his erratic driving.

During roadside and custody searches, Avon and Somerset Police found the 31-year-old to be in possession of approximately £3,000 in cash, cocaine and cannabis.

A search of his home address found more class A and class B drugs, a further £4,000 in cash, and a stun gun.

On 26 May 2023, officers carried out a warrant at the home of Bridges, 35, in Fitzroy Street, in south Bristol.

He was found to have hidden almost £70,000 worth of cocaine in a wheelie bin outside.

Also inside the bag was a knife, drugs paraphernalia and a tissue which was forensically linked to 30-year-old Joyner.

Joyner was arrested at a hotel room two days after the under ground stash was discovered by police

A subsequent warrant at Joyner's address found a further 1.5kg (3.3lbs) of cocaine, which he had attempted to hide under ground.

On 3 August 2023, police arrested 41-year-old O'Shea when officers stopped his car in Tunley, near Bath, and seized two 1kg (2.2lbs) blocks of cocaine.

In total the approximate 4kg (8.8lbs) of cocaine seized from the three men was estimated to be worth approximately £320,000.

The four pleaded guilty to all 16 charges at previous hearings and received the following sentences:

• Barnes-Sargeant received a prison sentence of six years for two counts of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, two counts of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, one count each of possession of a class A and B drug, acquiring criminal property and possession of a weapon for the discharge of electrical incapacitation device.

• Bridges was handed two-year suspended sentences totalling 24 months, for one count each of being concerned with the supply of class A and class B drugs. She must also carry out 70 hours' unpaid work and 15 days' rehabilitation activity requirement.

• Joyner was jailed for eight years and eight months in respect of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, two counts of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug and acquiring criminal property.

• O'Shea received a custodial sentence of three years for possession with intent to supply a class A drug and being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

Following the sentencing, Det Ch Insp Lavender said: "These sentences concludes a significant policing operation targeting this group of people who were supplying cocaine to the streets of Bristol.

"Evidence was found to show their operation was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds as they sought to profit from other people's misery brought on by drug use.

"We welcome these prison sentences and will continue to robustly target those involved in drug supply to protect the public and keep our communities safe."