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Drugs charges for 'Benefits Street' residents

By Jasper Copping

1:57PM GMT 25 Jan 2014

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Several residents from the street on which Channel 4's Benefits Street was filmed have been charged with drug offences.

Among them is Black Dee, whose real name is Samora Roberts, who has featured prominently in the show.

The 32-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class B controlled drug, conspiracy to supply a class A controlled drug, crack cocaine, possession of a Class A controlled drug, diamorphine and possession of ammunition of a firearm without a certificate.

The charges follow a series of raids by West Midlands Police last June, on a number of addresses in James Turner Street, in the Winson Green area of Birmingham.

The raids followed concerns raised in the local community, police said.

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Following the warrants, a number of people were arrested and Class A and B drugs were recovered by officers.

After ongoing enquiries, seven people were charged on Wednesday with a number of offences and all have been bailed to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on February 6.

In addition to Ms Roberts, other residents of James Turner Street to be charged were:

- Tina Thomas, 46, charged with conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

• Charlene Wilson, 29, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of diamorphine.

• Ian Wright, 38, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis).

• Monique Walker, 28, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine).

• Marvin Scott, 37, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine).

In addition, Omari George, 20, of Dora Road, Handsworth, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and Class B drugs (cannabis).

 CrimeNews »UK News »TV and Radio »Jasper Copping »Law and Order »

In Crime

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Paul Flowers arrested over drugs scandal

Paul Flowers was arrested by officers from West Yorkshire Police last night Photo: PA By Hayley Dixon

6:52AM GMT 22 Nov 2013

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Paul Flowers, the former chairman of the Co-op Bank, has been arrested in connection with allegations that he bought and used Class-A Drugs.

The Methodist minister, 63, was filmed handing over £300 apparently for crystal meth and cocaine and is said to have boasted about taking ketamine.

He was suspended by his church and the Labour Party following the revelations last weekend.

He has since been engulfed in allegations of illegal drug use, gay sex, questions over his expenses claims at a drug charity and drink-driving.

It also emerged he had resigned as a Labour councillor after adult material was discovered on his computer.

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Officers from West Yorkshire Police searched his home in Bradford earlier this week and he was arrested last night.

A spokesperson said: "Officers from West Yorkshire Police have arrested a 63-year-old man in the Merseyside area in connection with an ongoing drugs supply investigation.

"He has been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire where detectives will continue their enquiries."

Mr Flowers stepped down from his role as Co-op bank chairman in June and questions have since been asked about his competence in the role.

It is believed that he was presented with a dossier of his "lavish" expenses claims before he resigned.

Co-op bank is seeking to recover contractual payments made to Mr Flowers, and he has been told to hand back £31,000.

"When Paul Flowers relinquished his responsibilities in June, it was agreed, as per his contractual obligations, that his fees for the rest of his period of office would be paid," the bank said in a statement.

"Following recent revelations, the board stopped all payments with immediate effect and no further payments will be made."

An "internal fact-finding review" - looking at emails and other evidence - is being carried out by the bank.

Co-operative Group chairman Len Wardle has already quit amid the deepening scandal.

Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, is facing growing questions over his party's links to Mr Flowers.

The Methodist Church, where Mr Flowers has been a minister for over 40 years, announced on Wednesday that he would be suspended indefinitely whilst any police investigation took place.

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In politics

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Drugs shame banker Paul Flowers probed by Methodist church 30 YEARS ago after gross indecency in public toilet

19 Nov 2013 09:21The Methodist minister and former Co-op bank boss is facing a police probe into his use of crystal meth, crack cocaine and ketamine

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