Nottingham Drug Dealer’s Jail Term Nearly Doubled After Top Govt Intervention
A Nottingham man caught up in a savage crime spree has had his prison sentence ramped up from five to nine years. The boost came after then Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, stepped in.
Crime Spree Spanning Four Years
Francis Wellington, 37, was found guilty of:
- Conspiracy to supply drugs
- Possession of Class B drugs
- Blackmail
- Sending abusive texts
- Inflicting grievous bodily harm
His offences took place between 2016 and 2020. Wellington already had 11 prior convictions, many linked to drug dealing.
Violent and Menacing Behaviour
Wellington was arrested in 2016 for running a cocaine supply ring from London to Nottingham. He admitted guilt in 2020. He also pleaded guilty to stalking and abusing his partner with cruel, controlling texts.
In a brutal assault in February 2020, Wellington smashed a houseguest’s jaw, shattered a mirror over his head, and dragged him through broken glass. He admitted this attack in court later that year.
Blackmail Inside Prison
While locked up at HMP Nottingham in April 2020, Wellington tried to shake down an old schoolfriend for £5,000. His associates threatened violence against the friend and the friend’s mother, blaming a fake debt.
Justice Served After Appeal
Wellington was initially handed five years at Nottingham Crown Court in December 2020. But this sentence was deemed “unduly lenient” after referral by Solicitor General Ellis.
The Court of Appeal upped the term to nine years in March 2021.
“The trade in drugs is destroying lives across the UK, driven by criminals like Wellington. He was also willing to use and threaten violence against others. I welcome the decision by the Court of Appeal to increase his sentence.” — Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, Attorney General
