A drug dealer who orchestrated a campaign of intimidation against a Midlands family has been jailed for four years and one month. Dean Hudson, 27, of Arnold Road, Bestwood, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail and possession with intent to supply a class B drug at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, June 30.
Frightening Ordeal at Family Home
On December 11 last year, Hudson arranged for two thugs to turn up at the family's home in Mapperley. The men barged into the house, pushing the mother aside as they claimed her son owed them £42,000. They snatched a mobile phone and car keys from the daughter's hand before leaving empty-handed. The 'frightening ordeal' left the family shaken but unharmed.
Continued Intimidation and Police Involvement
Six days later, the intimidation continued when windows at the property were smashed. A marked police car, which had been parked outside to protect the family, was also damaged with a brick. Later that same day, a man turned up and banged on the door before leaving. Hudson was quickly identified as a suspect through police enquiries, which revealed he had arranged for the two men to attend the address.
Arrest and Drug Seizure
Hudson was arrested at a property in Arnold Road, Bestwood, on December 22. A search of the address uncovered bags of ketamine, a class B drug, along with further evidence of drug dealing. He was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to the offences.
Jail Sentence and Police Comment
At Nottingham Crown Court, Hudson was sentenced to four years and one month in prison. Following the hearing, Detective Sergeant Alana Scott, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'Very serious threats were made to members of this family in their own home. It must have been a frightening ordeal for them even though they weren't seriously harmed.' She added: 'Despite the complexities of the investigation we quickly identified Hudson as a suspect and significant amounts of drugs were recovered when we raided his home. Hudson was clearly involved in serious criminality so I'm pleased he will now have a spell behind bars.'
Appeal for Information
Detective Sergeant Scott urged anyone with information about the other people involved in the conspiracy to come forward. 'If further information becomes available we won't hesitate to investigate further,' she said. Nottinghamshire Police continues to appeal for witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact them.
