A 34-year-old man from Wales has been sentenced to over three years in prison after police uncovered his Whitby drug-dealing operation through text messages following a traffic collision.
A drug dealer from Wales has been locked up for peddling cocaine and cannabis in the Whitby area.
Jack Buckworth, 34, now of Robert Street, Ynysybwl, Pontypridd, was jailed for a total of three years and one month at York Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession of criminal property (money made from drug dealing).
His co-defendant, a woman from Whitby, was given a suspended sentence when she appeared in court last year. She previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis, possession of criminal property and possessing cocaine with intent to supply.
The pair’s drug dealing was uncovered after Buckworth was involved in a collision and officers examined a mobile phone that revealed multiple messages relating to drug dealing.
The investigation showed that the pair frequently worked together to deal drugs. They have tried to use what they deemed a "work phone" to discuss any matters in relation to drugs, however they would frequently slip-up and discuss drugs in their personal phones, and personal matters on their "work" line. Even when charged they continued to exchange messages in order to come up with a "story" to try and pass the blame for their criminality.
Despite claiming benefits, Buckworth’s bank accounts showed deposits amounting to over £15,000 over a six-month period, of which £10,838 were third party payments with the majority being made by his co-defendant. These payments were almost immediately withdrawn once they were paid in, indicative of Buckworth handling cash.
Invesigating officer, PC Rebecca Davison, of Scarborough And Ryedale Response Team, said:
Drug dealing causes misery in local communities and is a drain on society. It is fuelled by greed on the part of the dealers, vulnerability of the users or the belief that it is harmless fun. It absolutely is not. The true costs of drug use are significant and far reaching. From child exploitation and other criminality, to health and environmental. We will not tolerate it in North Yorkshire and the defendant is now facing the consequences of his actions.
At the sentencing hearing, held at York Crown Court on 24 April 2026, Buckworth was also sentenced to nine months in prison for assaulting a woman in July 2024. This sentence will run concurrent to his term for drug offences. A hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act is due to be held at a later date .
Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101 and speaking to the Force Control Room.
Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.
If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Planning Committee Rejects Burniston Drilling Rig Plan
Scarborough Athletic Aim For Play-Off Glory In Final Day Clash At Bedford Town
Whitby Town Coach And Captain Issue Rallying Cry To Supporters Ahead Of Relegation Clash
Scarborough's Yorkshire Cup Regatta This Weekend
Bridlington Rugby Target Quickfire Promotion
First Native Crayfish Raised In Yorkshire Hatchery Released Into The Wild
Yorkshire Coast Cricket Begins on Saturday
Bridlington MP Fights Proposed Closure Of Care Unit
Bridlington Town End Season With Strugglers at Home
Whitby Town Face Pivotal Relegation Battle In Final Game Of The Season
Views Sought On Pilot Project To Tackle Empty Shops In Scarborough
