Greater Manchester Police: OP Granta

The Situation

In February 2023 a firearm was discharged near the Apollo theatre, in the Ardwick Area of Manchester. The firearm was linked to three previous incidents since 2012, including the murder of David Short by Dale Creegan (also known for his conviction for the murder of two police officers in 2012). Following this the firearm was passed on and used in an attempted murder. The investigation into the 2023 incident aimed to recover the firearm, which was found to be connected with Clint Curtis, controller of a “County Line” drugs distribution network known as the 'Lex Line,' supplying heroin and crack cocaine.

Forensic Analytics CSAS software was used including our drugs line pivot to establish that between the dates 9^th October 2023 and 1^st April 2024 almost 50,000 bulk text or “flare” messages were sent via the Lex Line, resulting in drug sales of an estimated £300,000. 

The Process

Over the next 3-4 months, extensive phone analysis and surveillance showed that Jerome Williams and David Curtis were in possession of the drugs line when Clint wasn't.

Jerome, David and Clint had access to a number of safe houses. In the following weeks a number of arrest warrants were executed, in which several phone handsets were recovered as well as the firearm. Crucially, Clint and Jerome's DNA was found on the firearm. The phone analysis work played a significant role in identifying persons of interest and securing subsequent convictions.

This work was all carried out by the outstanding officers of Greater Manchester Police with the support of Forensic Analytics where they needed it. 

The Result

After a long trial which included the use of CSAS outputs to enable scrutiny of telecoms, evidence, the following verdicts were reached and sentences passed: 

• Clint Curtis was sentenced to 19 years 4-months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs x 2, Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life).

• Jerome Williams sentenced to 12 years for the same offences.

• David Curtis 6 years for conspiracy to supply drugs. 

• Giovanna Edmondson was sentences to 5 years for possession of a firearm with intent to enable another to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to enable another to endanger life.

• Gemma Brookes received a 2 ½ year suspended sentence.