Getting help for drug and alcohol addiction

As another prolific drug dealer is brought to justice by Scarborough Police, we want to highlight the excellent support services that are available to the people whose addictions and vulnerabilities such criminals ruthlessly exploit.

Simon Dennis Lambert (pictured), aged 39, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at York Crown Court on Tuesday (10 May 2022).

 

 

He had pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine between July 2021 and March 2022, possession with intent to supply cannabis on 3 September 2021, and possession with intent to supply cocaine on 15 March 2022.

You can read about the investigation, which was led by DC Darrel Temple of Scarborough and Ryedale CID, in this Scarborough News court report:

Scarborough cocaine dealer known as Pie Man or Pie Head jailed for four years | The Scarborough News

 

As Judge Sean Morris said when he sentenced Lambert: “God knows what misery you have caused by your dealing.”

This misery extends to the wider community who experience drug-related crime and suspicious activity on a regular basis.

We’re very grateful for this information that is passed on to us directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

What is not often focused on is the personal misery to the many vulnerable and often young individuals whose lives are gripped by addiction and crime, not to mention the constant worry and pain this causes to their loved ones.

 

Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Drugs and alcohol are complex public health challenges, and undoubtedly cause harms to individuals, families and communities.  

“Everyone has a unique personal story, often tied up with trauma, abuse, mental health or other adversity.

“That’s why we’re working closely with our Public Health colleagues and partners on prevention, support for people experiencing drug and alcohol misuse, and enforcement on supply.

“We fully endorse the two excellent drug and alcohol addiction services, North Yorkshire RISE and Changing Lives, that are readily available in North Yorkshire and the City of York respectively.

“Indeed, we have a custody-to-treatment referral process in place with these services to make sure this help is provided at the earliest opportunity.

“The more youngsters who receive this professional support and care, the more we can steer away from heavy, long-term use and addiction and the associated individual and public health harms, including crime.”

 

Det Supt Naughton added: “As a police force, we make no apologies for actively tackling drug-related crime. This includes dismantling and bringing to justice those involved in ‘county lines’ organised crime groups who are operating from one part of the country to another.

“Young people are often exploited by such drug dealers and we’re committed to offering every opportunity to young people and help them fulfil their potential.

“Our Partnership Hub oversees ‘Operation Choice’ which is a process designed for referring children and young people who are found in possession of drugs into a course of police-led educational sessions. 

“In addition, further consideration will be given to referrals into drug service providers and commissioned diversion services, with the emphasis being on education and harm reduction.” 

 

The diversion services that support Operation Choice are:

 

• Stepping Up Project – this is a sports-based project which diverts children and young people who have not yet entered the criminal justice system but are at risk of doing so. Siblings of those involved in the criminal justice system are eligible, as well as those linked through family members to organised crime groups and who are being exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACES). The project is being run by North Yorkshire Police in conjunction with NYSport

 

• Change Direction – this scheme engages with young people aged 10-17 at an early stage before criminal behaviour becomes the norm. It helps to improve the circumstances for both the young person and also the local community. The young person is provided with nurture and support from a dedicated keyworker who addresses any underlying causes of future criminal behaviour

 

• York Youth Justice Triage & Diversion – this is a voluntary prevention service offered by York Youth Justice Service to any young person age 10 to 17 who resides in the City of York and is considered to be at risk of engaging in criminal, anti-social or challenging behaviour

 

• Changing Lives – dedicated drug and alcohol services which provides tailored support to help young people challenge their dependency

 

Det Supt Naughton said: “Through this work alongside our local authority, education, service providers and criminal justice partners, positive opportunities are being provided for these young people to avoid or move away from a life of crime and start to build a successful future.”

 

Get help for drug and alcohol addiction

• North Yorkshire Rise – young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2) – org.uk/service/nyrise/
• North Yorkshire Horizons - adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80 – org.uk/
• Changing Lives - City of York Drug and Alcohol Service - 01904 464 680 - changing-lives.org.uk/services/drug-alcohol/york-drug-alcohol-support-services/
• NHS - uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
• FRANK helpline and information - https://www.talktofrank.com/

 

Reporting information about drug-related crime

Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime is urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk. Or call 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.