A woman who hid behind her relationship with a convicted drug trafficker from Wychbold in order to evade prosecution for her own offences has been jailed.

Sinead Lavelle, 34, of Offmore Road, Kidderminster, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine after a four-week trial in December.

She was sentenced to three years in prison at Hereford Crown Court on Friday, June 10.

Four men, including her partner Gareth Pegler of Saxon Way, Wychbold, were convicted of drug-related offences during the same trial and sentenced to a total of more than 26 years in prison.

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The other men were Mighele Massey of Stourbridge Road in Dudley, Karl Browning of Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, and Darren Pegler of Coronation Way, Kidderminster. 

Judge Martin Jackson said in his summing up that although Lavelle may not have been a totally willing participant she was at the very least turning a blind eye, with Lavelle having previously said about Gareth Pegler “he does what he does”.

Lavelle was told: “You stayed and rekindled a relationship with a partner who is a professional criminal so there has to be a price to pay.”

Her role in the enterprise involved collecting drugs, paying those involved and she was present on some of the drugs trips, including at times with her children.

Det Sgt Gareth Evans said: “Wives and partners often try to hide behind the relationship claiming a lack of knowledge in an attempt to evade prosecution, as Sinead Lavelle did in this case.

Children left with both parents in prison

“She assisted with the enterprise and benefited from both the profits and the lifestyle.

“As a result of her involvement and sentence, her children are now faced with the unfortunate situation where both parents are absent and serving sentences in prison.

“Anyone who involves themselves in criminality, or turns a blind eye to benefit from the profits, will be actively pursued by West Mercia Police - so before you do, consider the consequences and ask yourself if it is really worth it.”

West Mercia Police says it reviews all reports of criminal activity it receives.

Anyone can call 101 or visit https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.