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Ripon drug dealer jailed for five and a half years

Friday, 3 July 2026 14:58

Jailed: 27-year-old Joe Lee Windle.

A Ripon drug dealer has been jailed for five and a half years after admitting supplying Class A and Class B drugs.

Joe Lee Windle, 27, of Ure Bank Terrace in Ripon, was sentenced at York Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and ketamine.

Windle was first detained by police near Boroughbridge in October 2023 after officers stopped and searched a vehicle he was travelling in.

Cash and a quantity of Class A drugs were recovered during the search.

Officers later searched an address linked to Windle, where they found further Class A and Class B drugs.

Messages recovered from his mobile phone also showed he was involved in supplying illegal drugs in the local area.

Several months later, in February 2024, officers on patrol in the Westcliffe area of Ripon spotted Windle.

After attempting to flee on foot, he was quickly detained and searched. Police found more cash and an assortment of drugs in his possession.

Following a full investigation, Windle was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.

Sergeant Savannah Knighton, of North Yorkshire Police, said:

"I welcome the custodial sentence handed to Windle, which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the damage that illegal drugs can cause to individuals, families and communities.

"Those who choose to profit from the supply of drugs should be under no illusion that we will pursue them relentlessly. We are committed to disrupting drug-related crime, removing harmful substances from our streets and bringing offenders before the courts.

"This result sends a clear message that drug dealing has no place in North Yorkshire, and we will continue to take robust action against anyone involved in it."

North Yorkshire Police is urging anyone with information about suspected drug-related crime to report it via its website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers.

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