Trio jailed for 24 years after running 'highly profitable' drug trafficking operation from Leeds home
A search of bank records uncovered suspected profits of over £300,000
Three men have been sentenced to over 24 years in prison for their part in a “highly profitable” drug trafficking operation in Leeds.
Leeds Crown Court heard how Seacroft football coach Christopher Laking was directing Chris Wilson and Luke Cockerill as part of the drug empire.
During multiple police raids, officers recovered a selection of machetes, drugs mainly cocaine, expensive Boxing memorabilia, and selection of high value watches and jewellery.
Prosecutor Rhianydd Clement told the court how mobile phones seized during the raids indicated a dial and delivery drug service was being run.
A range of messages between the three defendant’s showcased Laking, of Ramshead Drive, Seacroft, in a “management position” directing Wilson and Cockerill, the court heard.
Ms Clement further detailed how Laking would keep track of debts owed to him by customers - listing amounts owed ranging from £10 to £13,000.
She said this showcased just how “focused on money” the 35-year-old was. He pleaded guilty to multiple offences related to the supply of Class A drugs and money laundering.
Chris Wilson, of Horton Grange Road, Bradford, also pleaded guilty to the supply of Class A drugs and money laundering.
A search of his and Laking’s bank records uncovered suspected profits of £130,000 and £197,000.
The court heard how the original police searches were carried out in 2023, with the criminal organisation finally brought to an end following a final series of police raids in December 2025.
By this point, Cockerill, of no fixed abode, had joined as part of the trio. He also pleaded guilty to the supply of Class A drugs.
Representing Laking, defence counsel Matthew Stewart said his client had “irresponsibly turned to criminality” after losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020.
Giles Grant representing Wilson said his client had lost his job as a HGV driver after being banned from driving, and originally became involved in the criminal enterprise by doing the “odd job”.
In mitigation for Cockerill, defence counsel Andrew Stranex had “spiralled into depression” after also losing his job during Covid and built up a drug debt of his own.
Judge Tom Bayliss KC sentenced Laking to 14 years in prison for his role in “directing and organising” role.
Wilson and Cockerill were jailed for six years and three months, and four years and six months respectively for their “sub-ordinate but significant roles.”
Laking’s partner Jordan Parker, of Inglewood Drive, Seacroft, received two years probation and a six-month drugs rehabilitation order for her limited role.