Couple Sentenced for Operating 'Chesney-Curly' Drug Line in Staffordshire
A couple from Staffordshire has been handed significant prison sentences after being convicted of running a drug distribution line known as 'Chesney-Curly'. Joe Baggaley, aged 28, and his partner Caitlyn Walton, 27, were found guilty of distributing class A drugs across the Stoke-on-Trent area through this operation.
Details of the Drug Operation
The drug line, named after Baggaley's nicknames, was active between December 2024 and April 2025. It primarily supplied cannabis, cocaine, and heroin throughout Stoke-on-Trent. Street dealer Ryan Poole, 22, was also implicated in the scheme and received a prison sentence for his involvement.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that police investigations uncovered substantial evidence against the trio. On March 6, 2024, officers searched a Vauxhall van in Chatterley Street, Burslem, discovering a large bag containing 400 grams of cannabis. This quantity had an estimated wholesale value between £1,700 and £2,000, potentially reaching up to £4,000 in street deals.
Another bag with 164 grams of cannabis, worth up to £1,640 in street deals, was also found. Forensic analysis revealed Baggaley's fingerprints on both bags, while Walton's fingerprint was identified on the larger bag.
Sentencing and Previous Convictions
Joe Baggaley received a prison sentence of seven years and four months. He has previous convictions for supplying class A drugs, including a six-year sentence in 2018 for conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine, and an additional three years in 2021 for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
Caitlyn Walton was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison. Ryan Poole received a two-year and four-month sentence for his role as a street-level dealer.
Police Investigation Findings
The drug line operated from December 16, 2024, to April 16, 2025. Police surveillance captured Poole topping up a voucher for a phone used exclusively for the drug line. This phone sent flare messages advertising crack cocaine and heroin for sale in the Burslem area.
On April 15, 2025, police searched an address in Newport Street, Burslem, where Poole was arrested. He was found with six wraps of cocaine worth £300, £500 worth of heroin, and £325 in cash. The drug line phone was in his possession at the time of arrest.
During the search, officers discovered £760 worth of cannabis, a small quantity of cocaine, and £6,370 in cash at the property. In total, authorities seized £7,200 worth of drugs and £6,695 in cash from the operation.
Court Proceedings and Mitigation
Prosecutor Nick Tatlow presented evidence showing the line's involvement in distributing class A drugs. Carl Buckley, representing Baggaley and Walton, argued the offending constituted category three street-level dealing rather than more serious category two offenses. He acknowledged Baggaley's previous convictions but noted his relative youth.
Regarding Walton, Buckley stated there was no evidence she had a managerial role or involved others in the operation. He suggested she was primarily funding her own drug habit and had some awareness of the operation's scale.
Stuart Muldoon, mitigating for Poole, described his client's remorse and lifestyle changes since arrest. Poole had experienced homelessness and lost employment before being drawn into the drug operation, where he received accommodation and limited money in exchange for his services. Muldoon noted Poole had stopped using cannabis for over three months and was committed to rehabilitation.
Judge's Remarks
Recorder Robert Smith characterized Baggaley as a professional drug dealer undeterred by previous lengthy sentences. He stated that Baggaley, with Walton's assistance, controlled the Chesney-Curly line, directing dealers and rotating phone numbers to avoid detection.
The judge described Walton as Baggaley's trusted right-hand operative and partner in both life and crime, playing a significant role in the operation. Regarding Poole, Recorder Smith acknowledged he entered the scheme with full awareness but emphasized that dealing class A drugs for profit necessitates immediate imprisonment due to the devastating impact these substances have on lives.
All three defendants pleaded guilty to multiple drug offenses, including possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs.
