Routine patrols in Stockton leads to crack cocaine dealer being jailed

PC Moloney and PC Swainston were walking along a footpath near to Eastbourne Road when they came across Andrew Bryson who was walking towards them after being spotted huddled with a group of people.

On spotting both officers, the 22-year-old then immediately turned his back on them and started walking in the opposite direction.

When Bryson, of Dundas Street in Stockton, broke into a sprint a pursuit began with both officers chasing him to a property on Larch Road.

Bryson was spotted climbing over a fence in the back garden then running away however the officers swiftly caught up with him and he was detained.

Despite Bryson continuing to lash out and evade them he was handcuffed and searched with officers seizing almost 100 wraps of crack cocaine and a quantity of cannabis.

He was taken to police custody to be interviewed where he answered no comment to all questions put to him however there was enough evidence for him to be charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

The arrest and subsequent charge took place on Thursday 24 May.

After being remanded in custody and pleading guilty at an earlier hearing, Bryson appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday 16 December to be sentenced to three years in prison.

PC Sean Moloney, from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “We regularly carry out foot patrols in this area as we know it is often a place where people who use and supply drugs conduct their activity.

“As soon as Bryson saw us, he panicked and fled knowing he had crack cocaine in his possession ready to deal to make a profit. Despite him running off we were determined to not allow him to get away and were always going to catch-up with him.

“This led to almost 100 wraps being seized and him now being put behind bars.”

If you believe drug activity is taking place in your neighbourhood, please contact Cleveland Police either by calling 101 or visiting our website. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.