Gwent PoliceA Lidl worker has been found to be a gangster’s moll after bragging about her luxury exploits on Instagram.
Despite earning less than £10,000 per year, Emily Lock’s lifestyle wouldn’t have looked out of place on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
The 22-year-old’s Instagram told of glamorous holidays to destinations such as Dubai and Paris. Her designer wardrobe, was likewise, inconsistent with her modest salary; complete with Louboutin heels and Versace slippers.
Indeed, she and her boyfriend Mark Price from Coed Y Wennol, Caerphilly – who claimed to earn a living as a builder – had splashed out over £100,000 on trips abroad and posh clobber; a figure which eventually raised suspicion.
Crown Prosecution ServiceAccording to Wales Online, 27-year-old Price’s home was raided back in September 2017. A blue plastic bag was discovered which contained 110g of cocaine at 83 per cent purity, as well a receipt for an Audi.
His phone was taken and discovered to contain a message to co-defendant Kyle Crowley, which boasted of earning up to £1,600 a week through cocaine dealing.
Price admitted to the possession of cocaine with intent to supply, as well as being concerned in the supply of cocaine and fraud.
Cardiff Crown Court also heard how Price had taken out a £33,000 loan by falsely stating his employment with a construction company which, in reality, had shut down.
Crown Prosecution ServiceOfficers searched Lock’s home and found designer clothes, jewellery, watches, bags and other accessories, clocking up to around £50,000.
Some items belonged to her while others to Price.
When questioned by police, Lock stated she hadn’t known her boyfriend was a cocaine dealer, having believed he worked as a builder. She’s admitted to acquiring criminal property.
Crown Prosecution ServiceProsecutors at Cardiff Crown Court stated how Lock had posted incriminating Instagram pictures which ‘portrayed an extravagant lifestyle.’
Defending Lock, Andrew Taylor told the court how the young woman had become enraptured with the idea of living a celebrity lifestyle, stating, ‘many young people today are fixated by a Kim Kardashian type of lifestyle.’
Taylor spoke of how Lock had been studying for a criminology degree, with hopes of working for the Probation Service.
He discussed the devastating impact of the arrest on her life and ambitions, describing the student as ‘incredibly naive.’
Crown Prosecution ServiceJudge Thomas Crowther QC has now sentenced Price to a five year prison sentence. Lock was given a prison sentence of 15 months.
According to Wales Online, the Gwent Police Officer in charge of this case, PC Michael Coles said:
I hope the sentences issued to these individuals highlight that the supply of controlled drugs will not be tolerated in Caerphilly.
These people endanger our community and this lengthy investigation shows we are committed to using all powers and resources available to bring them before the courts.
I hope this sends a message to those who continue to be involved in the supply of controlled drugs, that you will not just be prosecuted, we will also use our powers to seize any financial assets you have acquired though criminality.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.