Tyneside crime boss Michael Ferry who ran huge cocaine empire from prison is jailed for 22 years

An underworld Tyneside boss who ran a lucrative cocaine empire from behind bars has been jailed for over 22 years.

Michael Ferry had "a pivotal, controlling role" within the major drugs conspiracy, which he headed while serving a prison sentence for a violent gang attack at a Newcastle pub. The 33-year-old was able to pull the strings as the head of an organised crime group using a smuggled-in EncroChat device and was responsible for supplying 53 kilos of cocaine.

In messages recovered when the EncroChat was infiltrated, Ferry and an associate talked of making £1m each within three years. Ferry - a former boxer - is said to be a "feared and ruthless" underworld boss who now must serve at least 11 years behind bars before being released on licence.

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The 33-year-old, who remains in HMP Durham, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today to be sentenced for conspiracy to supply 53 kilos of cocaine and conspiracy to produce cannabis. He had pleaded guilty to the offences eight days into his trial.

Ferry was involved in the conspiracy and continued to break the law while serving a 45 months prison sentence which was given to him in 2019 for his part in violent disorder. Ferry had been part of a gang attack at The Fosse pub, in Walker, in 2016 that saw a man beaten and squirted with ammonia.

But while serving the sentence in prison, Ferry had access to an Encrochat device from where he was able to direct operations on the outside. One associate told him "You are destined for the top" and "You are at the top in the North East and you are only in second gear".

In a previous court hearing, prosecutor Ian Mullarkey said: "The prosecution say he played a leading role at the head of this conspiracy, clearly organising the buying and selling of drugs on a commercial scale with the expectation of substantial financial advantage.

"There's talk of the amount his wife is to be paid as his share of the proceeds. It equates to £1,000 a week and they are descrbed as footballer's wages." Judge Earl added: "There's talk of them having £1m each within three years."

Mr Mullarkey continued: "He is sufficiently determined, connected and sophisticated that he is able to direct this drug dealing operation despite being in prison custody. He threatens to resort to violence and threatens to enforce the enterprise.

"He is a feared and ruthless criminal leading an organised crime group in the North East, carefully controlling the operation, directing the operation with designs on taking over the operations of others when he is released from prison."

He added: "The prosecution say the defendant is a leading organiser of this criminal conspiracy, directing and controlling the supply of a substantial quantity of cocaine and also supplied cannabis as a wholesale business."

A cannabis farm was also found which contained 1,100 plants and was capable of producing tens of kilos of the drug. Mr Mullarkey said the messages show Ferry appeared to commission two episodes of damage at an address in Killingworth and at a tattoo parlour, where a vehicle was driven into the front of the premises.

He told the court: "This was a serious organised crime group who were not only dealing in vast quantities of controlled drugs but also had recourse to intimidation, threats and violence as and when required."

In previous mitigation, Ferry was said to be a "model prisoner" and at his sentencing on Tuesday, the court heard he has no previous convictions for drug related offending. Judge Stephen Earl said he is “a partner and a parent” and that his prison sentence will have an impact on them.

The Judge added: “The defendant is not a career drug dealer…but he is a man of violence, both in a sporting past as a boxer and trainer…but also criminally.” The court hears that his defence barrister, Anthony Barraclough, suggested that Ferry was “not as high in the organised crime group as the crown would [suggest] in the opening.”

Sentencing him, Judge Earl said: “It is clear his role is a pivotal, controlling role within this conspiracy”. Ferry was jailed for 22 years and six months.

He must serve 11 years and three months before serving the rest of his term on licence. A proceeds of crime hearing will take place on November 15.

Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a superb result following a lengthy and complex investigation, and I am delighted the tireless work from our officers has left Ferry with no choice but to admit his guilt. Ferry is a prominent and well-connected figure who holds significant standing within an organised crime group.

“He was fully aware of the illegalities of his actions, and sought to profit from the trade of a hugely destructive and addictive substance in our communities. Ferry believed he was above the law through his use of an encrypted device, but this latest case proves there is no hiding place – our dedicated officers will find you and bring you before the courts to face justice.”

Det Ch Insp Michael added: “We will not relent in our commitment to clamping down on organised criminal activity as part of the ongoing Operation Sentinel. Members of the public can continue to assist us in apprehending offenders such as Ferry by providing information to us, reporting any suspicious activity or concerns to us.”