Two men have been sentenced for drug offences in Swindon, including throwing wraps of cannabis into a nursery. 

Michael Jordan Cook, 28, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday, July 4 after pleading guilty to supplying cocaine, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, offering to supply a class A drug and possession with intent to supply a class B drug, namely cannabis.

Owen Rhys Wilson, 20, of Caulfield Road, Gorse Hill, received a 16-month suspended sentence for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

The case dates back to October 2022, when Wiltshire police officers received reports of drug dealing activity at Baileys Farmhouse in Walcot following concerns raised by their partners in Swindon Borough Council’s housing team.

Officers located and arrested Wilson in possession of several wraps of heroin and crack cocaine and shortly after, officers responded to a 999 call from the council’s housing department reporting a man returning to the location wearing a balaclava.

Following a short pursuit on foot at the scene, Cook was detained and CCTV enquiries showed him discarding several wraps of cannabis into a nearby nursery.

With both suspects in custody, officers analysed their phones and found Cook to be directing Wilson to supply Class A drug users in the local area.

Acting Police Sergeant Hesketh of the Local Police Tasking Team said: “This investigation was a direct result of partnership working with Swindon Borough Council housing department, and I would like to thank their staff members for acting swiftly and reporting their concerns around suspected drug activity taking place.

“I welcome the prison sentence given to Cook by the courts as he played a significant role within the drug dealing operation.

“This sentence should demonstrate that Wiltshire Police will not tolerate drug dealing in Swindon and we are committed to dealing with these individuals robustly.”