Gang 'kicked their way into drug suspect's Bristol flat'

The neighbour of a man who is facing drug dealing charges has told a jury she saw a gang burgle his flat.

Angela Miles told Bristol Crown Court that eight men kicked their way into James Waithe's top-floor flat at 79 Highridge Green, last June.

The court heard she called the police, and when they investigated, they discovered what appeared to be a "cocaine factory" as well as guns, ammunition and stun grenades.

It is claimed conspirators who were using the flat had hoped to corner the Bristol drugs market after other dealers had been jailed.

Judo expert and teacher James Waithe, 47, pleads not guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine as well as possession of firearms to endanger life, and simple possession of firearms and explosives.

Robert Brooks, 63, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the drugs conspiracy but denies the firearms charges.

Grant Richmond, 29, of Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, and Craig Rodel, 46, of Wexford Road, Bristol, and Luke Downes, 22, of Pevensey Walk, Bristol, have all pleaded guilty to involvement in the conspiracy.

Miss Miles told the jury she had lived at the flats since April 2007, but had known Waithe for some 20 years.

The court heard that on June 9, 2008, Miss Miles heard noises and initially thought it was someone building.

She told the court: "When I opened the door I looked down and these chaps had flattened James' door.

"I think they must have done it with their feet. There were about eight men and they ran into his flat. I said, 'quick, phone the police'."

Miss Miles said Waithe had a lodger at the flat, and she saw Waithe regularly taking laundry and parcels away.

"He wasn't living at the address," she told the jury. "He told me he was living with his girlfriend. James' girlfriend used to turn up.

"She was, like, Moroccan, with shoulder length black hair and tanned skin."

PC Roger Ibrahim told the court he spoke to Waithe outside the flats on June 5 and remembered being impressed when Waithe showed him a judo trophy.

Detective Inspector Simon Wilstead told the court police followed the Serious Organised Crime Police Act in the process of accommodating Grant Richmond to turn evidence on the accused.

He said Richmond was subject to high security as a result, and had limited recreational facilities and no visitors, which left him worse off than standard prisoners.

The jury was told a judge will have the discretion to give Richmond a discount on his sentence, for helping the prosecution.

The case continues.