Exeter Man Jailed for Nine Years Over Cocaine Supply and SCPO Breaches
A 42-year-old Exeter man has been handed a hefty nine-year prison sentence after admitting to conspiracy to supply cocaine and breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO).
Richard Armitage’s Drug Operation Uncovered
Richard Armitage, from Littleway, Exeter, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to eight years behind bars for this offence. Additionally, he admitted breaching his SCPO twice, earning him a one-year sentence to be served consecutively, taking his total time to nine years.
On top of this, Armitage has been slapped with a new SCPO set to last five years after his release, aimed at keeping him under close watch.
Crackdown on Cocaine Supply in Exeter
Between July and November 2019, Armitage played a major role in smuggling cocaine into the Exeter area. His activities were exposed during a large-scale probe by the Devon and Cornwall Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Authorities revealed that Armitage paid rent on a property used as a safe house by a criminal gang. Unbeknownst to them, the house was under police surveillance. Detectives caught Armitage at the property during cocaine deliveries. He was also present during another similar drug drop at a separate location.
Breaching Orders While Behind Bars
Armitage’s troubles didn’t end with his arrest. While serving a prior sentence for breaching the SCPO, he was caught trying to board a flight from Exeter in August 2020 with prohibited items like phones and a laptop. In April 2022, a cell search uncovered two mobile phones and charging cables, further violating the court order.
Detective Superintendent Ben Davies said: “The sentence handed down today by His Honour Judge Stephen Climie reflects the seriousness of the crime and its impact on our communities. Armitage’s eight years for drug conspiracy and one year for breaching the SCPO serve as a warning to others involved in this kind of offending.”
“Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to protecting communities from the harm caused by serious and organised crime, using court orders to prevent further criminality. Armitage even tried to flee the country, but thanks to legal powers built into the SCPO, we arrested him.”
“This case shows our relentless pursuit of those behind drug supply. When Armitage is eventually released, he will be closely monitored under another SCPO unless he changes his ways.”
Armitage was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 25 January.
