A Tonbridge man has been jailed for two years and five months after pleading guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to supplying drugs.

Billy Maidment, 31, of Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, was arrested along with Alison Mackinnon, 53, of Uplands Road, Romford in Essex, on February 25, after police became suspicious that they were marketing cocaine and amphetamine through mobile phone messages to local users.

Officers watched as the pair parked their cars close together in Tonbridge Road, and observed as the two got out and an exchange occurred between them.

A search revealed Mackinnon to be in possession of a plastic bag containing 20 wraps of cocaine, while a mobile phone and quantities of amphetamine were in her vehicle.

Maidment was found with more drugs as well as £230 cash. Analysis of the phones seized showed that minutes before his arrest, Maidment had sent a marketing text offering cocaine to more than 20 users.

Mackinnon’s phone also contained messages sent from Maidment, directing her to locations to deliver drugs to various users.

They each pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

Mackinnon was given a jail sentence of 21 months suspended for two years.

The investigating officer, PC Mark Simcox, said: "There is no doubt this pair were prolific cocaine dealers and sought to make a profit from other people’s misery.

"Class A drugs ruin lives and, as the undoubted organiser of the supply chain, Maidment thoroughly deserves a prison sentence."

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