BRIAN BAGNALL SENTENCED IN PORTHILL AND STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR COCAINE DEALING AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a series of serious legal proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Brian Bagnall, a 43-year-old resident of Porthill, has faced multiple charges that have culminated in a lengthy prison sentence. Earlier this year, Bagnall was convicted of sexual offences involving a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, which resulted in a five-year prison term. However, his legal troubles did not end there.

Most recently, Bagnall appeared before the same court to admit to possessing a substantial quantity of cocaine with the intent to supply. The police had stopped Bagnall in his BMW on Porthill Bank, Porthill, at approximately 7:20 pm on November 1 of the previous year. During the stop, officers conducted a search of his vehicle and observed a brown package fall from Bagnall’s trouser leg. Despite his initial denial of any knowledge of the package, it was later confirmed to contain 248 grams of cocaine, with a purity level of 12 percent and an estimated street value of around £7,500.

Further investigations led police to Bagnall’s residence in Tenant Place, Porthill, where they discovered additional illicit substances and paraphernalia. Inside his home, officers found approximately 0.67 grams of cocaine, two electronic scales with traces of cocaine, plastic bags, gloves, and 8.76 grams of cannabis resin. They also recovered a dealer’s list and a significant amount of cash, indicating ongoing drug activity. Bagnall was questioned but chose to answer 'no comment' during his initial police interview.

In a subsequent interview in April, Bagnall admitted that the cannabis resin was for his personal use. However, he continued to deny any involvement with the cocaine, claiming that the police had planted the drugs. Despite this denial, he acknowledged possessing cannabis resin at an earlier hearing and admitted to possessing cocaine with intent to supply during the recent proceedings.

Legal representatives for Bagnall, including his defense attorney Anthony Potter, argued that his client was not a major drug dealer operating at a high level. Potter described Bagnall as someone who had 'stupidly' become involved in something far beyond his usual activities, implying a lack of sophistication or experience in dealing with such substances.

Judge Paul Glenn emphasized that the new sentence must run consecutively to Bagnall’s existing five-year term, as the offences occurred while he was on bail. Addressing Bagnall directly, the judge stated, 'You were dealing cocaine, not at a very high level. Cocaine is a highly addictive Class-A drug. Those who deal it must expect prison sentences.' The court’s decision underscores the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the Porthill and Stoke-on-Trent areas.