Two men who targeted drug users in the Coalville area have been sentenced.

The pair supplied class A drugs across North West Leicestershire.

They used multiple phone numbers to target drug users in Coalville, Ellistown and Hugglescote, as well as Shepshed.

Leicestershire Police report that Darnell Fuller and Jamie Pladgeman used phones to send bulk texts to known drug users offering the chance to buy crack cocaine and heroin.

Their crimes were uncovered in March, 2022, when they were arrested. 

There then followed a search of Fuller's home which also found mobile phones, cash and wraps of drugs which proved their links to dealing.

A firearm and ammunition were also found at his address.

• Fuller, 25, of Kennington Road, Nottingham pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – heroin, one count of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – crack cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in May this year. He also admitted charges of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin that were committed in Nottinghamshire. Today (Friday, June 21) he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
• Pladgeman, 33, of Curlew Close, Mountsorrel pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug – heroin and one count of being concerned in the supply of class A drug – crack cocaine in August 2022. Today he was given a two year prison sentence suspended for two years.

Darnell Fuller. Photo: Leicestershire Police

Detective Constable Chris Fox, the officer in the case, said: "Fuller and Pladgeman were part of a wider group who developed a system targeting vulnerable people in our communities. 

"They knew by sending bulk text messages, drug users would come forward.

"By operating from Nottinghamshire, I believe they thought they wouldn't be caught. 

"Pladgeman was their local contact within Leicestershire and he was seen selling drugs on the streets of North West Leicestershire on several occasions.

"Tackling the supply of drugs – and the operations of county lines gangs – is a priority for the force and I hope the communities where this group was operating can take some comfort from the fact their crimes have been uncovered and that they have been sentenced."