Barrow: two members of Shakka county line gang sentenced

Between December 2022 and November 2023 25-year-old Al-shakil Sadiq, of HMP Lindholme, ran a drug operation supplying heroin and cocaine called the 'Shakka' line between Oldham and Barrow.

Prosecutor Nicholas Flanagan told Preston Crown Court Sadiq ran and operated an organised crime group from inside prison.

He told the court Sadiq had been found by prison staff with a communications device on five occasions during the time of the operation.

He said the lower-ranking members of the group were in Barrow. The drugs would be transported to a safe in Barrow from Oldham and on occasion from Liverpool, the court heard. 

Al-shakil Sadiq played a 'leading role' in drugs supply to Barrow (Image: Cumbria Police)

Mr Flanagan told the court that an estimated £87,900-worth, or 1.5kg of class A drugs, went to Barrow during the 11 months the gang was in operation. 

Mr Flanagan added there had been a 'disagreement' between another alleged conspirator in the gang and his girlfriend. The court heard that the girlfriend's family in Barrow received threats that they would be killed in a house fire.

James Thompson, 44, of Peter Street in Whitehaven, was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and attempted arson with intent to endanger life.

James Thompson is a long-term heroin addict and was living in sheltered accommodation at the time of the offence, the court heard (Image: Cumbria Police)

Mr Flanagan said in the late hours of Halloween 2023, CCTV evidence showed Thompson attempting to set the property alight. He was unable to do so, which Judge Preston called luck due to his 'hopeless ineptitude.' 

Defending Sadiq, Keith Harrison said: "There were others who put pressure upon him - having drug habits himself."

He said 'others who should be before the court are not here.' He also said that he displays 'not insignificant remorse.' With his antecedent record involving two other convictions for drug supply, the court heard that nearly all of Sadiq's young life will be spent in prison. 

Niamh Ingham, defending Thompson, told the court that he had been addicted to heroin for 20 years and homeless for 10. He was living in supported accommodation at the time of the offence. 

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Judge Darren Preston told Sadiq in his closing remarks: "It seems your prison time did nothing to stop your drug dealing activities" adding that he played a 'leading role' in the operation from his cell. He said when Sadiq was released if he did not reform his ways he would 'spend the rest of your life in jail.' 

Turning to Thompson, Judge Preston said: "You pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. You admitted to dealing drugs or being prepared to deal drugs for what was a short period of time." 

Judge Preston said Thompson's arson attempt 'must have been terrifying' for the family involved. 

Sadiq was convicted of conspiring to supply cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin and received 10 and a half years behind bars.

Thompson was handed five and a half years. Half of the sentences will be served on licence. 

Other Shakka line members will be sentenced on Tuesday.