A MAN from Staverton has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison after being found guilty of committing a string of offences.

Stephen Worrell Burke, 46, of Cottles Barton, Staverton, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday (December 1) for a number of crimes including possession with intent to supply crack cocaine. Burke’s other offences included money laundering, possession of a class B drugs and seven counts of making a false statement to obtain insurance.

The sentencing follows a thorough investigation by officers from the Melksham Dedicated Crime Team.

On October 7 2015, officers attended an address in Longfield Road, Trowbridge, and carried out a search following the arrest of a man for drug supply offences. Whilst the officers were searching the premises Burke arrived at the address but fled instantly after seeing the officers inside. He was then tackled and officers found him to be carrying £1,400 worth of crack as well as £1,150 in cash.

PC Joe Shanklin, of the Dedicated Crime Team, said: “Following the arrest of Burke, a lengthy and thorough investigation was carried out in which we worked with assistance from numerous partner agencies to examine his cost of living. What we discovered was shocking. During the period examined, Burke had legitimate earnings totalling just £87. Despite this, his expenditure was over £88,000. He spent this on prestige cars worth over £30,000 and holidays costing over £2,500. He went to great lengths to protect his illegal enterprise and turned his housing association property into a fortress with the installation of a heavy steel gate behind the front door.”

After his arrest officers searched his address at Cottles Barton, finding digital scales, latex gloves, sealed bags and a hydraulic press. Police officers also found pressing plates at another house in Littlebrook, when examined traces of heroin and crack were found on them.

“Enquiries relating to his £30,000 BMW revealed that he had bought it on finance and had been making the payments in cash deposits through a third party in order to launder his ill-gotten gains. It was also discovered that he had lied to his insurers for several years, withholding information which would have prevented him from gaining insurance,” added PC Shaklin.

“The Dedicated Crime Team is committed to disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups and ensuring that individuals like Burke, who are often at the centre of crime and anti-social behaviour within their neighbourhood, are brought to justice.

“If you suspect drugs activity in your area, please call police on 101. All information is treated with the utmost discretion."