A man who was acquitted of murder has today appeared in court for selling drugs on behalf of the men who murdered Michael Toohey.
Callum Hewell, 21, of Stratton Road, Kirkby, and Stephen Wilson, 49, of Bridport Street, Liverpool appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. Both men pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and Hewell pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cannabis.
Eight men, including Hewell, and a 14-year-old boy stood trial for the murder of Michael Toohey, who was found fatally injured at an internet café on London Road in Liverpool city centre on April 16 last year. In January this year, Hewell was found not guilty of both murder and manslaughter.
READ MORE: Four men found guilty of murdering Michael Toohey
Kieran Williams, Anthony Williams, Michael Williams, Steven McInerney, and a then 14-year-old boy were all found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. On Monday, Nicola Daley, prosecuting, told the court that on December 23, 2021, police officers were near Jenkinson Street, Islington, at around 4am when they saw Hewell and Wilson.
She said they were near to the home of Michael Williams, the nephew of Mr Wilson and friend of Hewell, who is “known to be involved in the supply of drugs”. She said: “Police suspected there had been a drug transaction after seeing the men get into a taxi together and drive away a short distance.”
Officers conducted a search of the men and Hewell was found to have a small quantity of cannabis, around £1,000 in cash and three mobile phones. Wilson had 882 wraps of cocaine and diamorphine, split into £10 street deals, with a street value of up to £8820, plus £130 in cash.
He also had three mobile phones which were “ringing constantly”. Both men were arrested and answered no comment to all questions put to them.
Ms Daley said it was accepted that both men were acting under the direction of others, "likely the Williams brothers", but they must have had some idea of the scale of the operation. She also highlighted that Hewell spent a considerable length of time on remand whilst on trial for the murder of Michael Toohey, of which he was acquitted.
Hewell has some previous convictions but none of a similar nature, including theft, and Wilson has 52 previous convictions, including 18 counts of supplying class A drugs for which he received 32 months imprisonment. He also breached bail conditions by failing to turn up at his last court appearance.
Sarrah Griffin, defending Wilson, said: “He has been addicted to class A drugs for a significant period of time. “He was clearly performing a limited function under direction, and he was clearly chosen because of his significant vulnerabilities.”
She outlined various long term health issues that he has, including COPD and depression, and highlighted that he has not committed any further crimes since May 2022 apart from breaching bail. Ms Griffin added that her client said he had been the subject of a violent assault with a hammer, as punishment for being arrested and losing the 882 wraps he had been found with.
Paul Becker, defending Hewell, outlined that his client pleaded guilty on the basis that he was not in possession of the drugs, and was only involved on one day to assist his co-defendant if necessary. Mr Becker said: “He became involved through immaturity and naivety.
“He has a very large and supportive family who are here today, and are disgusted by what he has done, as is he.” Mr Becker added that Hewell “had time to reflect” while in custody, and has stayed out of trouble since his release in January.
In sentencing Wilson, Judge David Aubrey KC said: “I say this not meant with any disrespect, you are 49 years old and you look considerably older. “Your life has been blighted by drugs, you have been acutely addicted to controlled drugs for a considerable and lengthy period of time.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that you were being used by others on this occasion, to the extent that you were being exploited.” Wilson was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
In sentencing Hewell, Judge Aubrey said: “You are an immature young man, and a number of references have been supplied on your behalf and I take all of this into account. “If I see you again at a third set of proceedings, namely by breaching this order, then there is no doubt whatsoever that you will not be leaving court with your family through the public door, you will be leaving with the custody officer.”
Hewell was sentenced to two years suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days.
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