Members of a Lichfield family and a close friend, who ran a business supplying cannabis to drug users in the city have been jailed for a total of five years.
Tina Gair, aged 45, described as the “head” of the family’s illegal drugs business, was sent to prison for two years by a judge at Birmingham Crown Court.
Her husband, Richard Gair, aged 47; their daughter Kerri aged 24 of Leyfields, Lichfield and family friend Patsy Lenton, aged 37, of Stychbrook Gardens, Lichfield, were each given one year prison sentences.
Son, Duane Gair, aged 20, was given a 10 month prison sentence suspended for two years.
They were all snared after police launched a surveillance operation into the family’s illegal activities. Officers witnessed drug deals taking place which prompted them to raid the Gair family home in Meadowbrook Road, Lichfield.
All five had denied charges of conspiracy to supply cannabis but changed their pleas to guilty on the seventh day of their trial.
They now face an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime act to recover any assets accrued from their criminal activities.
The jury heard that none of the Gairs had a job and were claiming state benefits, including income support, tax credits, carers’ allowance and child benefit.
Mr Tim Harrington, prosecuting, said mother of 12, Tina Gair, was head of the family and head of their drug “business.” She recruited her husband, children and a close family friend to assist.
Inspector Trevor Steventon, Commander of Lichfield neighbourhood policing Unit, welcomed the sentences. He said:
“Drug dealing and the criminal activity it attracts, is of concern to many communities and I very much welcome these sentences.
“They will serve to send a very powerful message to anyone thinking of dealing drugs that police will take positive action on behalf of the law abiding members of the community and bring offenders to justice.
“I hope the sentences will also reassue the people of Lichfield that drug dealers and the associated crime and anti-social behavior they bring will be rooted out by police.”
