A MAN and woman have been sentenced after dealing cocaine for more than two years.

Matthew Appleyard, 31, of Milborne Port, and Sapphire Dennis, 30, of Ferndown, received a suspended sentence after officers found and seized a large quantity of cocaine.

Appleyard received a prison term of six years and four months at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, January 12.
Sapphire, of Ford Lane, Ferndown, was handed a two-year suspended sentence at the same court on Wednesday, January 24. She was also ordered to carry out 300 hours’ unpaid work.

The pair were arrested at Appleyard’s Milborne Port home on July 17, 2023.

During the course of a search of the property, in Combe Hill, officers saw the front door had been strengthened and fortified, seemingly in an effort to increase the difficulty of police forcing entry.

Officers seized 210g of cocaine – worth an estimated £17,230 – and more than £42,500 worth of criminal property in forms of vehicles. However, an examination of Appleyard’s phone led to messages being recovered proving his involvement in cocaine supply, which was estimated to be worth five times that amount.

PC Mattie Kasperek said: “These arrests are the results of a long and complex investigation, spearheaded by officers who work day in, day out to target drugs supply across the area.

“Appleyard was the main perpetrator in this criminal enterprise and we are delighted he has received a significant prison sentence.

“It’s estimated his criminal activity was worth more than £250,000 and a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act in due course will be held to make sure he does not profit from his illegal actions upon his release.

“We will continue to relentless pursue those who seek to profit from other people’s misery and urge anyone with information that can help us in our efforts to please report it to us.”