Purshotam Dhillon, a 59-year-old magistrate and Hounslow housing officer, was found guilty of two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He allowed his home to be used as a base for drug dealing activities orchestrated by Harry Singh, a known dealer who supplied Dhillon with drugs.
Dhillon, who had served as a Justice of the Peace for nearly 25 years, was found to be smoking approximately 1 gram of heroin daily, along with cocaine. Police are investigating whether he abused his judicial position or his role as a housing officer to aid the organized crime group.
Mr Justice Cavanagh, passing sentence at Bristol Crown Court, stated that Dhillon's actions undermined the criminal justice system. "It is disgraceful to say the least someone sworn to uphold the law in this way should end up on the wrong side of the law and at the same time was serving as a magistrate, taking part in a major criminal enterprise," the judge said.
Detective Inspector Mark Gavin, who led the investigation, expressed shock at discovering Dhillon's profession, noting that it was not entirely unexpected given Singh's methods. Gavin suggested that Dhillon's home offered a "safe location" for storing drugs and controlling criminal activities, providing the group with a perceived sense of legitimacy and reduced scrutiny. The presence of Dhillon, a serving magistrate, likely offered the organization an additional layer of confidence, contributing to its sophistication and concealment.
During the trial, Dhillon admitted his relationship with Singh was a "flagrant breach of duty." He claimed Singh only visited his home to supply drugs or to use them together. However, evidence found at Dhillon's home included multiple mobile phones, a significant quantity of drugs, scales, and a "tick-list" detailing customers and orders. Police also found Dhillon's Government identity pass, confirming his status as a magistrate.
Singh, who admitted to numerous drug offenses, was sentenced to 12 and a half years. Leandrea Lynch, Singh's former partner, was found guilty of drug offenses and received a 30-month suspended sentence. The judge ordered Dhillon to be found not guilty of possessing criminal property after nearly £4,000 found in his bedroom was proven to be for airline tickets.