Gang which ruled estate jailed for 67 years

A gang who terrorised neighbours on an estate have been jailed for a total of 67 years. At the sentencing of 13 people linked to the crime group, Judge Michael Byrne read evidence describing how a Lancaster estate became riddled with graffiti of the gang’s tag ‘902 RWA - Ryelands with Attitude.’ Other youngsters chanted: “**** The Law” at officers and said they had been told to chant at police because “902 rules the estate.” Sentencing Anthony Diprose at Preston Crown Court, Judge Byrne said: “Life on the estate had become somewhat anti-authoritarian.” He added: “There are lessons to be learned from this case. “People who live in close proximity to each other should understand the forces of drug-related property and provision cannot be allowed to prevail, and that police and community assistance is available.” Gang ringleader Anthony Diprose, 28, lived a lavish lifestyle with properties on Wove Court, Fulwood, Preston, and in Lancaster. He enjoyed fancy cars and expensive holidays as he used friends and family in the drugs empire to mix and supply cocaine or launder the proceeds - blighting the lives of residents on the Ryelands estate in the process. In a text message the arrogant criminal, of Roeburn Drive, Morecambe, boasted: “I don’t trust no-one except my brothers. All the rest just do as I say and want to be me.” But today he was beginning a 16-year jail term after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering in addition to admitting fraud by false representation. Brother Jason, 26, of Austwick Road, Lancaster, was jailed for 16 years after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and fraud by false representation. Aidan Higgins, 21, of Dee Road, Lancaster, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possessing heroin. He was jailed for four years. Liam Wiper, 24, of Euston Grove, Morecambe, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was jailed for six years and nine months. Andrew Gunningham, 30, of Ryelands Road, Lancaster, found guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs and was pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was jailed for seven years. Brian Coulton, 31, of Tarnsyke Road, Lancaster, was found guilty at trial of conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was jailed for five years. David Threlfall, 28, of Artle Place, Lancaster, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs. He was jailed for 18 months. Kenneth Smith, 23, of Acre Court, Mainway, Lancaster, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was found guilty at trial of possession with intent to supply cocaine. He was jailed for four years. Liam Parkinson, 25, of Norfolk Street, Lancaster, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; possession with intent to supply heroin and possessing a taser. He was jailed for seven years. Katie Noon, 25, and Paul Noon, 30, both of Austwick Road, Lancaster were both found guilty of a money laundering at trial and were given a six months sentence which was suspended for two years and 50 hours of unpaid work. Rachel Lynch, 42, and Paul Lynch, 45, both of Tarnbrook Road, Lancaster were found guilty of a money laundering at trial and were given a two year community order, a two year supervision order and 40 hours of unpaid work. Supt Andrew Webster, of Lancaster Police, said: “While out on their daily patrols our neighbourhood officers would hear from residents about how they felt that their lives were being been blighted by the two Diprose brothers and their associates. Many felt threatened and intimidated by the actions and activities of these individuals