An ex-husband and wife of a vegan businesswoman were caught operating a Breaking Bad style drug racket.
Sarah Taylor, 48, and spouse Ian, 52, started using cannabis as a ‘holistic medicine’ to treat their own mental health illnesses.
After getting into debt, they decided to set up their own drugs laboratory which made almost £9,000 a month.
Ian Taylor (52), and Sarah Taylor (48) say their farewells to family members before they are sentenced by Bolton Crown Court.
Vegan businesswoman Sarah Taylor (far left) and her husband Ian (far right) have been busted for running a Breaking-Bad style drugs racket after they started using cannabis themselves
Police stopped the VW Golf of the couple near Manchester on December 12, 2018, and they smelled the drugs from the car.
Later, the makeshift laboratory was found in Tyldesley (Greater Manchester) along with marijuana plants and MDMA. Their home contained 14 litres Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) cannabis extract. It was stored in plastic containers.
A police financial investigator found payments totalling £140,000 that couple had netted between August 2017 and December 2018.
Sarah Taylor, a Bolton Crown Court judge was sentenced to an eight-month suspension of sentencing. Taylor was also required to work 60 unpaid hours.
After 17 years of marriage, her husband, who owns a tattoo parlour was sentenced to five years and three years in prison. He admitted possessing with intent cannabis and Tetrahydrocannabinol, as well as being involved in the supply and distribution of MDMA, and cocaine.
The plot of Breaking Bad’s TV series, in which Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul star as the main characters, closely mirrors Mr. and Mrs Taylor’s decision to use a drug laboratory to repay their debts.
Prosecutor Miss Alison Mather described how police officers had pulled the couple over and discovered 1.49KG of cannabis in the car – with a street value of £14,900.
She claimed that Sarah tried to cover it up, but both of the defendants were detained and her mobile phone was confiscated.
“Their home was searched, and heating equipment and packaging relating to drug paraphernalia and cannabis vegetable matter were found in their upstairs bedroom.
‘In total there was £4,000 in cash, 13.438KG of cannabis and 14,747ml of THC seized estimated to be in excess of £29,000. The cannabis is estimated to be have a valuation of £67,000.
‘The overall drugs at the upper limit has the value of £141,000 depending on the size of the deals sold. Searches were conducted after midnight.
Sarah claimed that her cellphones were hidden by her because she was being forced to cooperate with the police.
‘The messages found on the mobile phone were consistent with cannabis sold on a commercial scale… As a result of these enquiries, a further warrant was issued where cash of £5,340 was recovered.’
Taylor was previously charged with possessing and cultivating cannabis. His wife was issued a warning for growing cannabis in 2014.
After the court heard that she played a lesser role in the enterprise, Sarah Taylor was given an eight-month suspended prison term and ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid work
Tatooist Ian Taylor was sentenced to five years and three month imprisonment after admitting that he had the intent to supply marijuana and Tetrahydrocannabinol, as well as having been involved in the supply and distribution of MDMA.
Andrew Costello (defense counsel) stated in mitigation that Taylor had expressed regret for allowing his wife to be involved with this venture. He had been in special education, and was suffering from ADHD. His ADHD was not detected as a child.
“This set the stage for a series that spiralled outof control. He was now deep in debt and could not repay it.
Kevin Lister, the defence counsel to Mrs Taylor stated that Taylor played a much more distant role. Although she was aware of the events, her involvement wasn’t direct.
The judge, Mr. Recorder Michael Blakey, sentenced them. But, you chose that.
“There’s a clear drug problem in the society, and people who use drugs should know that there are serious consequences. This creates even more problems and causes all kinds of social issues. People who use drugs can cause a lot of issues.