A Workington laundrette owner who dealt drugs from his business and was attacked by thugs when he asked to stop has been spared immediate prison.
Police watching 75-year-old Barrie Bray’s Wash House saw a known drug user cycle up to the premises on June 5, 2020, meeting with the owner before putting something in his pocket.
When that user was stopped by officers, he admitted having blues and 21 diazepam tablets in blister packs were found, Carlisle Crown Court heard today.
Police searched the Nook Street laundrette and a next-door house, locating a black bin bag containing numerous packets of diazepam, plastic tubs containing white paste, debtor lists, scales and blue latex gloves. Bray’s mobile phone contained messages from others asking him for diazepam and amphetamine in the months beforehand.
In total, 2,383g of amphetamine, potentially worth £23,831, was recovered along with around £9,000-worth of diazepam tablets.
Bray admitted illegally possessing both substances with intent to supply, and further admitted supplying diazepam.
In a formal basis of plea explaining his offending, Bray spoke of selling foreign cigarettes several years ago from the laundrette he owned. This was well known within the community and in 2020 he was asked about selling diazepam.
He initially refused but eventually agreed when asked again. Drugs were delivered and stored in the house next door. Bray was not responsible for advertising the drugs but recalled that a large amount of people began to come to the laundrette looking to buy.
Men collected drug sale proceeds weekly and the arrangement continued for several months before Bray became concerned by further footfall increases, trouble with concealing the crime and an adverse impact on the laundry business.
After seeking to hand over the remaining drugs, he was attacked at a meeting point by two men wearing balaclavas, hit with an iron bar and hospitalised. Dealing continued for a short time thereafter.
Bray had drugs supply crimes on his record dating back to 2001 and, more recently, trademark offending involving cigarettes.
Recorder Mark Ainsworth heard of Bray’s poor mental and physical health, and that his business would close if he were jailed. A 15-month prison sentence was suspended for 18 months. Bray must complete an three-month night time curfew and rehabilitation.
“You became, at least at first, a willing recruit,” said Recorder Ainsworth. “You must have known what you were involving yourself in.”
