FOURTEEN people linked to the widespread supply of a dangerous drug across North Somerset have today (Friday) been sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.

The offenders were part of an organised group which sold mephedrone – commonly known as MCAT – to customers as young as 12.

And police have since spoken of their relief at having caught so many people connected to the supply of a drug which has been a blight on communities.

Six offenders from Clevedon, three from Nailsea, three from Weston and two from Banwell were all sentenced for their roles in the supply chain.

The case followed a lengthy investigation by police into the supply of mephedrone across the district.

They launched the investigation in 2011, arresting 15 offenders over a six-month period, during which more than 50 bags of mephedrone were recovered.

Officers say that Clevedon in particular saw the negative impact of the drug, with incidents of antisocial behaviour and damage by young people under its influence and crime carried out to fund their drug use.

Detective Inspector Jon Deane, who led the investigation, said: “This has been a complicated and protracted inquiry and this prosecution highlights what has been a significant and concerning problem in North Somerset.

“However, we hope that these convictions help to both protect and reassure our communities.

“Some of the defendants recognise the harm that meph causes and the damage it has done to their own lives and health as a result. Those defendants have been sentenced sympathetically.

“Other defendants have shown complete and utter contempt of the consequences and effects of their criminal activity even to the point of continuing to supply the drug to children despite it causing the individual themselves to be seriously ill.

“The real winners today are the residents of Nailsea, Clevedon, Weston and Portishead as these sentences should have a very positive impact on disrupting drug supply in North Somerset.

“We will not stop in our efforts to prevent the use and supply of all controlled drugs as they have such a negative impact on our communities.”

The sentences:

* Simon Bradbury, aged 39 of Tuckmill, Clevedon. 12-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and curfew.

* Daina Clark, aged 21 of Porlock Gardens, Nailsea. 16-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out unpaid work.

* Stephen Clarke, aged 23 of Western Court, Chapel Hill, Clevedon. 12-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out unpaid work.

* Tonia Clarke, aged 44 of Western Court, Chapel Hill, Clevedon. 12-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out unpaid work and supervision order.

* Naomi Dunn, aged 34 of Hillview Avenue, Clevedon. Two years, four months in jail.

* Oliver Ford, aged 24 of Marconi Close, Weston. Eight-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and supervision order.

* Sara Grey, aged 25 of Southfield Road, Nailsea. 16-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out unpaid work.

* Lara Griffiths, aged 42 of Riverside, Banwell. 12-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, drug rehabilitation requirement and supervision order.

* Wayne Griffiths, aged 40 of West Street, Banwell. 12-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out unpaid work and programme requirement.

* Rhea Miller, aged 30 of Fosse Close, Nailsea. Two years, four months in jail.

* Thomas Vaughan, aged 29 of Churchill Avenue, Clevedon. 10-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, supervision order and ordered to carry out unpaid work.

* Gemma Wheeler, aged 26 of Selworthy Road, Weston. Eight-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out unpaid work and curfew.

* Natalie Williams, aged 20 of Griffin Road, Clevedon. 10-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and curfew.