Judge Commends Prosecution Team In Operation Glean

03/07/2008

A Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor today received praise from a Crown Court Judge for his part in bringing over 20 local drug pushers to justice.

His Honour Judge Murphy QC today issued commendations to Prosecutor, Brain Outhwaite and the police investigation team in 'Operation Glean', a drugs investigation which ran from March to July 2007, and resulted in the arrest of 22 drug dealers in Sheffield city centre.

CPS Prosecutor, Brian Outhwaite today said of the commendation: 'Operation Glean was a complex investigation and prosecution, which required close cooperative working between the Crown Prosecution Service and South Yorkshire Police from the outset.  This was essential in building strong cases against the different defendants.'

Mr Outhwaite went on, 'In this case, 21 defendants received sentences of immediate imprisonment at the Crown Court.  This sends out an important message to street level dealers of Class A drugs, and makes it clear that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated.  These people were caught red handed and have paid with their freedom.'

'Naturally I am proud that our efforts in bringing these cases to court have been acknowledged by the Judge.  Drugs dealers must understand that we will continue to make strenuous efforts to curtail their illegal activites.  I am also very pleased to have been able to play a part in making South Yorkshire a safer place in which to live.'

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