Man jailed for 12 years for Modern Day Slavery and drug supply offences

A man has been jailed for a total of 12 years following an investigation into Modern Day Slavery and drug supply offences into the Newton-le-Willows area.

The charges came because of Operation Toxic – which is part of Project Medusa – a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation across the country.

Today, Friday 24 January, at Liverpool Crown Court, James Byott, 31, of Heriot Street, Liverpool, was jailed for 12 years for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin). Byott also received a five year four month concurrent sentence for Modern Day Slavery (Facilitating the travel of a child with a view to exploitation) and was given a 10-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order.

Three other men were jailed for a total of more than 24 years in December 2024, as part of the same investigation. Today’s result brings the total sentences to more than 36 years for the four men.

The three men sentenced in December 2024 were Graham McEvoy, 19, of Market Street, Newton-le-Willows, Lewis Davies, 20, of no fixed abode but formerly of Clarence Street and Newton-le-Willows and Keane Mulligan, 19, of Vincent Street, St Helens.

Detective Sergeant Peter Sloan, said: “County Lines gangs have no regard for the young, vulnerable people they coerce in to running drugs across the country, often with threats of violence and intimidation.

“We will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities. Those who exploit children will be caught, arrested and face justice for modern day slavery and human trafficking offences.

“This is a significant custodial sentence which I hope will serve as a strong deterrent for anyone thinking of getting involved in this type of criminality.”

 If you have any information about suspected County Lines activity in your area DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.

The Eyes Open campaign educates young people and their parents and carers about the dangers of grooming, exploitation, and the deceptive tactics used by county lines gangs. To learn more about the signs of exploitation, please visit County Lines - Spot The Signs | Eyes Open.