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Kesgrave man jailed for 30 months for cocaine supply

News

A 58-year-old man from Kesgrave has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to drug offences. David Lawrence was arrested following a police raid on his home last November.

The big picture: Suffolk Police's ongoing efforts to tackle drug crime in the town have resulted in another conviction, with Kesgrave resident David Lawrence jailed for supplying cocaine.

David Lawrence
David Lawrence was jailed for the supply of cocaineSuffolk Police

Key details:

  • David Lawrence, 58, of Gowers Close, Kesgrave, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 14 August

  • He pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine, possessing criminal property, and possessing cannabis

  • Lawrence received 30 months for cocaine supply, 6 months concurrent for criminal property, and a £50 fine for cannabis possession

Bag of cocaine
Nearly 45 grams of cocaine were seized by policeSuffolk Police
Bag of money
Police found £1,000 of cashSuffolk Police

How it happened: Police executed a warrant at Lawrence's address on 3 November 2023, seizing:

  • Nearly 45 grams of cocaine

  • £1,000 in cash

  • A small quantity of cannabis

Why it matters: It's one less link in the Ipswich drug supply chain and evidence that, despite the frustrations of many on the prevalance of drugs in our town, that there are consequences for those who seek to profit from it.

Between the lines: The case was handled by one of Suffolk's Operation Sentinel teams, which focus on:

  • Enhancing coverage of Suffolk's road network

  • Disrupting serious and organised crime

  • Increasing police visibility

What's next: Police are urging the public to report suspected drug dealing or concerns about vulnerable people being targeted by organised crime groups.

How to report:

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

News

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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