Man, 49, convicted of drugs and firearms offences

A 49-year-old man has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of drugs and firearms offences.

Ralph Gabbidon, previously of Calder Close, Corby, used the pseudonym “J” to operate the drug dealing empire from his flat on the Shire Lodge estate, and had successfully evaded the authorities for a number of years.

However, officers didn’t give up and on May 31 this year, a warrant was executed at his address, uncovering an array of Class A and B drugs, a large quantity of cash, a sawn-off shotgun and an imitation firearm that had been painted black to give the appearance of a real pistol.

Gabbidon was arrested and subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, amphetamine and cannabis, possession of criminal property, possession of a firearm and possession of a modified starting pistol.

Despite pleading not guilty to the charges and claiming that he had been threatened by other drug dealers who had forced him to allow the drugs and firearms to be stored at his address, he was convicted by the jury last Friday (December 23) and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Lead Investigator – Detective Constable Fay Maskell said: “I am really pleased to see Ralph Gabbidon receive such a lengthy prison sentence as it means he will be off the streets of Northamptonshire for a significant period of time.

“This case is a great example of the perseverance of Northamptonshire Police. We will never give up in our fight against serious crime and even if we do not get a drug dealer today or tomorrow, we will always be watching, ready to strike at the opportune moment and bring them to justice.

“I am sure there will be other people in this county who think they are as invincible as Ralph Gabbidon once thought he was. Our message to them is simple – crime doesn’t pay in Northamptonshire and it will be your door we will be going through next.”