AN Adlington man described as the "director" of a drugs business has been jailed.

Lee Graham is one of 12 people jailed for a combined 26-and-a-half years at a three-day sentencing hearing at Preston Crown Court which finished on Wednesday.

The gang were charged after an investigation into drugs supply across Chorley between November 2013 and May 2014.

Graham, aged 26, and India Hoskinson, aged 24, of Greenfield Road, Adlington, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supplying cocaine and cannabis.

Graham was jailed for four years and Hoskinson was given a 15-week suspended sentence with electronic tagging and a curfew order.

Gary Greenhalgh, aged 26, and Leigh Greenhalgh, aged 20, of Spendmore Lane, Coppull, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Gary Greenhalgh was sentenced to four years in prison and Leigh Greenhalgh was jailed for two years and four months. 

Desmond Hollinshead, aged 26, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supplying cocaine and cannabis and was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.

Chenice Jackson, aged 22, of Birkett Drive, Ribbleton, Preston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supplying cocaine and was jailed for two years and three months. 

Hannah Patterson, aged 23, of Warwick Road, Eccleston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supplying cocaine and cannabis and was sentenced to two years and two months in prison.

Jack Haddon, aged 20, of 11 Liptrott Road, Chorley, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supplying cannabis and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Josh Hampson (aka Killeen), aged 25, of Moor Park Avenue, Preston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and was jailed for two years and eight months.

Wayne Peel, aged 34, of Gordon Street, Chorley, pleaded guilty to allowing premises to be used for the supply of cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis and was sentenced to one year and two months in prison.

Michael Tasker, aged 21, of Oakwood Road, Coppull, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Joseph Squires, aged 20, of St Oswalds Court, Coppull, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supplying cocaine and cannabis and was given an eight months suspended sentence. 

Det Insp Nick Hills said: “I’m pleased with the sentences handed down by the judge – this should send a strong message to drug dealers and local communities alike that we absolutely won’t tolerate this type of criminality.

“Lee Graham was described in court as the ‘director’ of the business – his ‘business’ has blighted local communities for too long and it is right that he and others are now behind bars."