Hereford cocaine dealer is sentenced

A Hereford drug dealer has been sentenced to 32 months for selling class A drugs into the city.

Matthew Hayward, 36, of Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 5 November).

Hayward was arrested at his home address on 19 September 2024. A search of the vehicle he had been driving identified a large quantity of white powder - later confirmed as cocaine - was found in a bag in the boot.

There were also a large quantity of clear unused deal bags and a set of scales. He did not hold a driving licence and was not insured to drive the vehicle he had been seen driving.

Hayward was convicted of one count of possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - cocaine – in September as well as driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

He was sentenced to 32 months for the drug dealing offence, deprivation of any interest in a Mercedes car and disqualified from driving for 12 months plus a 16-month extension period, giving a total ban of 28 months for the motoring offences.

Detective Constable Emily Holder of Hereford CID said: “We welcome this sentencing which demonstrates to the community that police will act swiftly and with the support of the public to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs which causes such harmful impact on our community.

“We urge members of the public to contact us should they have any concerns over drug supply, and they will be taken seriously. You can report it to us online at Report a crime | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

“Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.”

• This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime. New operation launched to target serious and organised crime | West Mercia Police

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