DRUG DEALER SENTENCED TODAY

Cannabis Conman Colin Davies Is To Return To Court For Sentencing Today

Colin Davies - the brains behind an international marijuana trafficking
organisation - was found guilty of several drugs-related charges at court
yesterday.

Davies, 44, of Romney Towers, Brinnington - and the boss of Reddish's
Amsterdam-style Dutch Experience cafe - will now learn his fate at Minshull
Street Crown Court.

His arrest 13 months ago came during a media frenzy as he openly smoked the
drug in front of arresting officers. The matter has remained high profile
ever since.

But in reality, he was also a drug dealer who used his cafe and public
beliefs as a front for dealing cannabis.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said dealers, like Davies, are
not above the law.

The spokesman said: "GMP will continue to enforce drug laws in the same way
that all forces are required to do so, until changes are made through our
democratic institutions.

"No reputable police force would tolerate the illegal sale of drugs in
their area, and although we acknowledge there is much debate and discussion
about the decriminalisation of cannabis, the police service and the
criminal justice system would be brought into disrepute if people were
allowed to flagrantly break the law.

"No-one has yet suggested that drug dealers who sell illegal substances for
substantial revenues, which Colin Davies has been convicted of, are exempt
from the law."

Supporters of Davies are in uproar over the conviction.

Speaking outside the court yesterday (Wednesday), Davies' father Colin
senior, who along with wife Elsie has supported his son throughout, slammed
the verdict.

Mr Davies said: "Colin has been a martyr to the cause. He has put his head
on the line but it has just not happened the way he wanted.

"I'm very disappointed with the verdict and very surprised.

"Colin just wants to help and wants people to be able to grow their own plants.

"Colin will be feeling very disappointed but I'm sure it's something he
would do again."

Local Euro MP Chris Davies criticised the conviction of the Brinnington
man. He said: "Colin Davies is a martyr who has led the challenge to the
ridiculous laws on cannabis.

"I have no doubt that in the course of time his actions will be entirely
vindicated."

He added: "Now that the Home Secretary has signalled the intention to
downgrade the law on cannabis, this conviction makes the legal system look
farcical, it is like a throwback to another time."