Edward Rainford, who is the actress Chelsee Healey’s partner, was imprisoned for his part in a small but coordinated cannabis supply operation.
Chelsee Healey was in the public gallery as her long-term partner and father of her child, Edward Rainford, was sentenced to two years in prison for his part in what a judge described as a “boutique” cannabis supply chain.
After admitting their involvement in the sale of cannabis between November 2022 and September 2023, Rainford, 32, and co-defendant Jay Boyd, 28, made an appearance at Manchester Crown Court. A Class B drug supply network investigation led to the investigation, which was conducted by Greater Manchester Police.
Last July, Surveillance discovered Rainford and Boyd openly discussing drug deals in a Costa Coffee location while they were speaking in coded terms like “33 per cent,” “a 4.5,” and “it’s a risk.” Soon after, a Swinton property was raided and found a “list of debtors” and cannabis. Both men were later linked to the operation thanks to phone data that discovered Boyd’s fingerprints at the scene.
Prosecutor Gwen Henshaw provided images and videos showcasing cannabis products and stacks of cash, as well as detailed information on specific strains like “Wedding Cake” and “Gorilla Glue.” If you’re interested, one of the messages from Rainford read, “I think I’ve got a quick one for us.” Another request was for product footage to be shared.
Henshaw told the court, “The pair weren’t just users.” They were constantly providing and aware of their own seriousness.
Judge Peter Horgan reaffirmed their agreement, noting that “they collaborated to sell large amounts of cannabis.” He made no mention of high-level organized crime. He claimed that while this wasn’t a sizable business, there were others who were buying from them and selling on.
Mark Friend, Rainford’s attorney, claimed that the former Army service member had no other interests because of money. “No complex systems or phone systems were present,” he added. He argued that it lacks sophistication. He was a component of a larger operation, he said.
Despite acknowledging Rainford’s poor decision-making, a friend noted that he had strong family support and a willingness to work following his release. He asserted that he doesn’t fear the pressure. He claims to have a stepdaughter and a child who “believes he can live a law-abiding life.”
Judge Horgan, however, found the repeated references to Rainford’s military history unsatisfying. He said, “There is only so much that you can draw from the same well.”
When he was detained, he reminded Rainford that despite a previous prison sentence for violence, he was still operating legally. The judge remarked, “You left your partner to raise two children and your family down.” This wasn’t a misstep; it continued for months.
Jay Boyd, who cohabitated with his mother and recently earned a degree in air conditioning engineering, also received an 18-month prison sentence. His attorney, Tanya Elahi, characterized his involvement as a one-time error in judgment after a difficult financial situation.
The judge disagreed, though. According to Horgan, “a lapse in judgment does not occur over a number of months.” You made the decision to commit criminal activity for profit. The only appropriate response is to “Custody.”
Source: Mirror
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