News Release
Men found guilty of drug offences
Dated: 11 Dec 2007
The former managers of a controversial nightclub in Sunderland have been found guilty of letting drug dealing go on in the nightclub they managed.
The New Monkey Club blighted the lives of residents in and around its Pallion Road site, in Millfield and Pallion, before its closure last year. A 6 month long investigation by Northumbria Police culminated in more than 100 police officers raid the club.
During the raid, on March 26, 2006. A total of 18 people were arrested and a cocktail of drugs found discarded inside. These included cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis resin and cannabis bush. In addition, drugs paraphernalia were also discovered. Officers found enough evidence to serve a closure notice on the club. They received a total of over 14 years sentence.
The investigation was led by Sunderland Area Command with officers from Sunderland and South Tyneside involved in the raid.
On Thursday, October, 11, two of the clubs former managers David John Mallin and Graham Michael Brown, were found guilty of two counts of being concerned in the management of the New Monkey Club and permitting or suffering the supply of MDMA (ecstasy) and cannabis.
The men were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.
Both David John Mallin, 45 of Dykelands Road, Sunderland and Graham Michael Brown, 45, of Atkinson Road, Sunderland were sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Potts, who led the investigation, said: "These men knowingly let drugs into their premises making the place a haven for druggies around the region. It's this behaviour which caused misery to the lives of residents in and around the club who had to put up with crime and disorder.
"The club blighted the city for far too long and I would like to praise everyone for their hard work and commitment in bringing the issue to a positive conclusion. However, this wouldn't have been possible without information from members of the public and I would like to thank all those who had the courage to stand up to the New Monkey Club."
Chief Superintendent Dave Pryer, area commander for Sunderland, said: "The scale of this police operation and investigation will hopefully act as a deterrent for those who deal in drugs or allow their premises to be used in that fashion."
Of the 18 people arrested, 14 were charged for supplying Class A drugs, two cautioned for possessing Class A drugs, one cautioned for possessing cannabis and one reprimand for possessing a Class A drug.
The Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Bob Symonds, said: "This successful prosecution has been brought about as a result of a strong partnership approach to tackling the problem of criminal and anti-social behaviour of certain elements within our community.
"Strong, concerted action such as this can lead to local residents living not only near the club but across the city being able to enjoy a better quality of life, and sends a clear message that crime does not pay and that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our city."