Two brothers from Dartford who ran a sprawling multi-million-pound drug network and believed themselves “untouchable” have had their appeals against conviction and sentence dismissed. Jamie and Cavan Hanna, each sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2022, sought to challenge their convictions on grounds related to legal representation, but their applications were denied on Monday, November 4.
The Hanna brothers, central figures in an operation distributing £3.5 million worth of cocaine across the UK, coordinated their activities using encrypted phones. They were also implicated in the laundering of over £1 million in cash, making them key players in one of the largest drug operations in the region.
During their 2022 trial at Woolwich Crown Court, both brothers dismissed their defence lawyers and failed to attend parts of the proceedings. Cavan later claimed his lawyers had been grossly negligent, allegedly resulting in crucial evidence being overlooked. Jamie, on the other hand, argued that his lawyers had withdrawn due to a disagreement, leaving him unrepresented. Despite these arguments, appeal judges ruled that the convictions were safe.
The 2022 trial also resulted in convictions for three of the Hanna brothers’ co-defendants: Daniel Dalligan of Crayford, sentenced to 10 years; Anthony Dominy of Bexleyheath, sentenced to 11.5 years; and Thomas Mercer of Welling, who received a 4.5-year sentence.
Following the trial, Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Masterson from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command praised the operation that dismantled the Hanna brothers’ criminal network. “This case is testimony to the hard work and persistence shown by the officers in my team,” said DCI Masterson. “The Hanna brothers believed that their use of encrypted devices made them untouchable, but with significant resources and a brilliant team, we were able to curtail their criminal activity and bring them to justice.”
DCI Masterson emphasized the impact of organised crime, stating that “the direct link between drug dealing and violence is clear, and the consequences bring absolute devastation to communities across London.” He reiterated the Met’s commitment to dismantling similar crime networks and removing controlled substances from the streets.
The rejection of the Hanna brothers’ appeal serves as a strong message in the fight against organised crime and the ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
