A 32-year-old man, Ryan Fisher, of Statham Avenue in Warrington, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison on Thursday after being convicted of possessing cocaine with intent to supply. The case stemmed from an incident at a Co-op store on Holes Lane in Woolston, Warrington, on January 28, where Fisher was reported to be intimidating staff.
Erratic Behavior Leads to Arrest
Police were called to the Co-op and approached by Fisher, who “appeared extremely paranoid” and claimed to have a hidden stash of drugs in his car. A search of a blue Skoda Octavia, where Fisher’s father was seated with the engine running, revealed £1,100 in cash and a bag containing white powder. While the powder was later identified as sulfuric acid legitimately used by Fisher’s father for work, both men were initially arrested.
During his time in police custody, Fisher experienced a medical episode and was taken to Warrington Hospital. While there, he requested an officer accompany him to the toilet, where he produced approximately £500 in cash from his trousers. Further examination revealed a foreign object concealed within his body, which a surgeon later removed – a bag containing 56g of cocaine, valued at between £2,800 and £7,000.
Prosecutors noted that the way the drugs were concealed suggested Fisher hadn’t originally intended to hide them internally, but did so “in haste” when police arrived. He had previously received a 40-month sentence in March 2022 for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
Fisher’s defense argued he was experiencing a mental health episode and had demonstrated remorse. She stated he had been working as a landscape gardener, maintaining contact with his nine-year-old daughter, and believed he was “on the straight and narrow” before a “downward spiral” following personal bereavements.
Sentence and Response
Despite the mitigating factors, Recorder Nicholas Flanagan sentenced Fisher to three-and-a-half years in prison. Fisher responded to the sentence by saying, “Ok, thank you very much. I really appreciate that. Take care.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Ryan Fisher’s arrest?
Ryan Fisher’s arrest stemmed from reports of him intimidating staff at a Co-op store in Warrington. His subsequent erratic behavior and claims about a hidden drug stash prompted a police search.
What was found on Fisher during and after his arrest?
Police initially found £1,100 in cash and a bag of sulfuric acid in Fisher’s car. Later, during a medical examination, they recovered 56g of cocaine concealed within his body, as well as approximately £500 in cash.
What was the outcome of the court case?
Ryan Fisher admitted one count of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. He has a prior conviction for a similar offense from 2022.
How might a history of personal loss influence an individual’s choices and actions?
