Sudden U-turn sends drug dealer to prison

A sudden U-turn ultimately led a drug dealer back to prison.

Officers on routine patrol became suspicious after the car Ashleigh Sims was travelling in performed an unexpected U-turn in front of them.

The uninsured car, which had been travelling along Leen Drive, Bulwell, was instructed to pull over a short time later.

After finally pulling over in St Albans Road, Sims attempted to flee from the passenger seat on foot but was soon chased down and arrested.

The reason for his sudden exit soon became clear – multiple deal bags of cocaine were found in the car.

Sims, who has multiple previous convictions, was also found to be carrying £200 in cash and a set of weighing scales.

He and the driver, Natalie Marriott, were arrested at the scene in the early hours of 28 January 2023.

Sims, aged 34, of Shobmill Road, Staffordshire, later pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply, and to possessing a Class B drug.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday 10 June, he was jailed for 42 months.

Marriott, aged 43, of Beech Avenue, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Sergeant Matthew West, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"When people see us and suddenly change direction, we immediately wonder why. In this case, the answer soon became clear.

"Thanks to that excellent bit of police work, two drug dealers have now been convicted – one of whom will now spend a significant period behind bars."