Keswick Man Jailed After Police Find Drugs Worth Thousands in Ford Focus
A 43-year-old Keswick man has been jailed for two years and six months after police found cocaine, cannabis, Pregabalin and ketamine in his vehicle.
Philip Gomersall, of Keswick, was stopped by police on the A66 near Thornthwaite on March 13, 2024. The stop came after officers received information from his former partner, who told police he had drugs at his home.
When officers searched Gomersall’s Ford Focus, they found a range of illegal substances. These included cocaine, cannabis, Pregabalin and ketamine. The ketamine alone was valued at around £4,500.
Gomersall later admitted five offences, including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Police acted after tip-off from former partner
The court heard that police were alerted after Gomersall’s former partner contacted officers with concerns that he had drugs at his address.
Officers later stopped him while he was driving on the A66 near Thornthwaite. A search of his car uncovered the drugs and led to further investigation.
The amount and type of substances found meant police treated the case as one linked to drug supply, rather than personal use.
Phone evidence showed drug dealing activity
After Gomersall’s arrest, police examined his mobile phone.
Messages found on the device showed evidence of drug dealing. The phone also contained records of customer debts totalling more than £40,000, as well as images showing bundles of cash.
This evidence went against Gomersall’s claim that he had stopped dealing drugs.
The court was told the material on the phone showed a wider pattern of supply and suggested Gomersall had played a significant role.
Defence said Gomersall had struggled after family deaths
Gomersall’s defence barrister, Brendan Burke, said his client had faced serious personal difficulties.
The court heard that Gomersall’s parents died in 2023. Mr Burke said Gomersall then fell into addiction and became involved with more serious drug criminals, who exploited him.
He also told the court that Gomersall had worked hard throughout his life and had not always lived in the way reflected by these offences.
Judge warns drugs damage families and communities
Recorder Ciaran Rankin, sentencing Gomersall, spoke about the serious impact drug dealing has on communities.
He said drugs destroy the lives of individuals and families, and made clear that those involved in supply offences must expect prison sentences.
The judge accepted there was personal background to the case, but said the evidence showed Gomersall had an important role in the drug operation.
Gomersall was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
The case highlights how information passed to police can lead to significant drug seizures, even in rural and smaller communities such as Keswick and the surrounding area.
