A 56-year-old man has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of blackmail in connection with county lines drug dealing. James Sunderland, formerly of Merrimede Close, St Leonards, was convicted at Brighton Crown Court on 10 January following a detailed investigation by Sussex Police.
The court heard that Sunderland played a key role in the “Pattern Gang” county drug line, a network targeted by police throughout 2023. The investigation uncovered numerous instances of coercion, threats, and violence aimed at individuals forced to work for the gang.
Victim and Family Targeted
One victim came forward to report that a member of her family had been coerced into supplying drugs to settle a debt owed to the gang. Sunderland, known as “Jay Jay”, frequently loitered outside the family’s home and demanded payments.
The successful conviction follows months of targeted police action against the “Pattern Gang”, with multiple warrants executed across East Sussex. Authorities continue to appeal for information to combat county lines operations and support those affected.
