Men stole drugs from AAH Pharmaceuticals in Warrington

Richard Gaskell, Tristan Keddie, and David Tilley appeared before Liverpool Crown Court today, Tuesday, having stolen drugs from AAH Pharmaceuticals on Woburn Road that would then go onto the black market.

Prosecuting, Martin Walsh explained how the men caused more than £22,000 worth of damage to the company in late December 2020 after conspiring to steal.

The drugs were opioid-based strong painkillers that are ‘potentially addictive or fatal’.

Bogus orders were placed which were not realised at the time due to the online and call centres measures in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gaskell, 44, and Tilley, 58, were subcontracted delivery drivers for AAH and delivered fewer boxes to pharmacies than they were meant to on the proof of delivery.

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On December 17 2020, Gaskell, from Lancashire, and Keddie, 33, of Northway in Longford, were spotted on CCTV as boxes were seen being exchanged between the pair. The latter gave Gaskell money and he was spotted counting that cash.

Overall, Gaskell and Keddie stole £6,871.70 worth of drugs and Tilley £269.40.

Tilley, of Southport, told the police he was working at AAH and was approached at first by Keddie – who had previously been employed by AAH but then was made redundant – and then a person known as ‘Twiggy’.

Tilley – who has one previous conviction of theft from 1998 – was told that if he didn’t join forces, some items would be placed into his van and he had no choice.

Defending Tilley, Charles Lander, explained his ill health and therefore he is unfit to work.

Lander asked for time for Tilley to pay what he owes.

Defending Gaskell, Simeon Evans, told the court that his client also cannot to the unpaid work but would do it otherwise.

He has no previous convictions.

The three men were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court

Defending Keddie, James Smith, accepts the custodial threshold has been passed.

Smith added that he has four dependent children and no previous convictions.

He also said that he is remorseful and had financial debt at the time but that doesn’t excuse his criminality and behaviour.

They added that an immediate custodial sentence would impact his family.

Judge David Swinnerton said: “The nature of the goods cause significant additional harm that contributes to the country and the cities problem with habits.

“This was charged as a series of conspiracies to steal from AAH Pharmaceuticals.

“Somebody somewhere realised there was money to be made.

“They are drugs that in overdose can kill.”

He labelled it as ‘rather straightforward’ as the drugs disappeared off vans and went onto the black market.

Mr Swinnerton also said that Keddie and Gaskell’s meeting caught on CCTV ‘illustrates that Keddie was the next rung up the chain'.

Tilley was given a 12-month community order, 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and ordered to pay £30 per month until his debt is paid off.

“It’s been a long time since you last offended, make sure it doesn’t happen again,” said Mr Swinnerton.

The court heard that Gaskell saw an opportunity to make money so his kids could have a good Christmas.

Mr Swinnerton added: “What you have done may mean some money for you but for someone else it could mean their relative overdosing on opioids.”

Gaskell was sentenced to six-months imprisonment suspended for 12 months.

He also has to serve 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

Keddie met Gaskell, paid him and took boxes from him.

His role was deemed to be significant. He was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for 18 months.

Keddie also has to serve 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement days and complete 200 hours of unpaid work.