Four Gangsters Jailed Over ‘Cuckooing’ Drug Empire in Leicester
Four criminals have been locked up for a combined total of over 20 years at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 11 March) for exploiting a vulnerable man to run their drugs operation.
Exploited Victim Forced to Deal Drugs
Between November 2016 and September 2017, Kyle O’Neill, Scott Elton, Jamie Wileman, and Ian Diamond targeted a man in his 50s. O’Neill befriended the victim before introducing him to the others in the gang.
The vulnerable victim was then pressured to store cash and drugs for the gang. Threatened and coerced, he was eventually forced into packaging crack cocaine and heroin wraps for sale.
Police Crack the Case After Welfare Call
The illegal operation was uncovered in September 2017 when police were called to the victim’s home amid concerns for his wellbeing. The case revealed the criminals’ “cuckooing” tactic — taking over the victim’s house to run their drug dealing in secret.
All four men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. Following a trial, O’Neill and Elton were also convicted of forcing the victim into compulsory labour. Wileman and Diamond were cleared of this charge.
Sentences Delivered
- Kyle O’Neill, 32, of Thurcaston Road, Leicester, was jailed for 11 years.
- Scott Elton, 30, of Edwards Street, Overseal, Derbyshire, received 9 years.
- Jamie Wileman, 28, currently at HMP Lowdham Grange, got 18 months.
- Ian Diamond, 42, of Towers Drive, Hinckley, handed a two-year suspended sentence.
Police Praise and Hope for Closure
“All four men are career criminals who callously prey on others for their own benefit,” said Sergeant Jo Ranson, who led the investigation.
“They saw the victim as an easy target and exploited him to keep their crimes hidden. Thankfully, the concerns raised allowed us to bring them to justice.”
“This is a classic case of ‘cuckooing’, where criminals take over someone’s home to facilitate their illegal dealings.”
“I hope these sentences provide the victim with closure and help him move on.”
