Lawyer Jailed for Supplying Cocaine After Becoming Too Close to Drug Client
Ben Garvey, a solicitor from Port Talbot, received a three-year and six-month sentence for his involvement in drug supply and perverting the course of justice.
A criminal defence solicitor has been jailed for three years and six months after he became involved in supplying cocaine and passing messages between his drug-dealing client and a runner.
Ben Garvey, 38, was found guilty of supplying cocaine and perverting the course of justice. A judge at Bristol Crown Court told Garvey that his actions constituted "a clear abuse" of his position. He had encouraged friends to purchase cocaine via WhatsApp and facilitated communication between his client and a drug runner.
Garvey's former client, Daniel Baker, 34, was sentenced to three years and four months after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Baker's drug runner, Jake Blackburn, 28, received a four-year and 10-month sentence after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice and pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
Garvey, who was a partner at David W Harris Solicitors & Co in Swansea, Pontypridd, and Talbot Green, met Baker in 2021. He later represented Baker when the latter was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing. During Baker's time in custody, Garvey passed messages between him and Blackburn.
Prosecutor Ray Tully KC stated that the police investigation into Baker revealed his involvement in a drug operation in South Wales, with a connection to the Oxford area. Messages from Blackburn to Garvey requested Baker's iCloud username and password, reportedly to "delete or wipe information online" and "take care of things after the boss had been nicked."
Investigators discovered messages on Baker's phone that led to the arrest of Garvey and Blackburn, and the seizure of their electronic devices. Messages on Garvey's phone showed he was part of a WhatsApp group where he encouraged friends to buy cocaine. Images from this group included photos and videos of drug use.
Garvey was convicted of perverting the course of justice, being concerned in the supply of Class A and C drugs, and encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence. Judge Cullum noted that while Garvey had been a "hardworking and qualified solicitor," he had "found kudos by being around high status criminals" and had "let down the whole profession of solicitors."