Former Tesco Manager Sentenced for Drug Dealing in Aberdare

A former Tesco manager, Kurt Lavender, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for drug dealing following a series of financial difficulties. The 31-year-old was found guilty of several charges, including possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply, during a court hearing on September 28, 2023, at Merthyr Crown Court. His wife, Samantha Evans, received an 18-month community order for her involvement in the operation.

On May 22, 2023, police observed Lavender’s blue Peugeot in a known drug-dealing area of Aberdare. Officers witnessed what appeared to be a drug transaction and subsequently arrested Lavender. A search of his vehicle revealed £835 in cash, 6 grams of cocaine, and a quantity of cannabis. During his arrest, Lavender claimed, “I have just made a silly mistake. I only did it to try to get some money for my family as we are skint.”

The investigation soon led police to the couple’s home, where Evans acknowledged their reason for being there. Inside, officers discovered a “drug packaging station” in the hallway along with additional cannabis. A search of Lavender’s brother’s residence uncovered cannabis paraphernalia and a fake Rolex watch. Overall, police seized approximately £5,000 worth of drugs, primarily cannabis.

Lavender’s mobile phone contained messages about drug dealing over the past three months, including conversations with a customer who appeared to be a school-aged boy. One message indicated that Evans’ bank details had been shared with a customer for payment. Lavender later stated in an interview that he “took ownership of the operation,” asserting that neither his partner nor his brother were aware of his activities.

In court, Lavender, who had worked in management for Tesco for seven years, faced challenges after suffering a mental health breakdown. His attorney, Ross McQuillan-Johnson, noted that this led to financial instability and ultimately his involvement in crime. The defence argued that Lavender was not living extravagantly, highlighting that the Rolex watch found was a £90 imitation.

Judge Simon Mills criticized Lavender’s actions as “utterly shameful,” indicating that he had not only destroyed his own life but also affected those around him. He expressed concern over the drug activities occurring in a household with children. The judge remarked on Evans’ awareness of her husband’s dealings and noted that if their relationship was indeed over, she had made a necessary decision.

With a one-third discount for his guilty pleas, Lavender was sentenced to 40 months in prison, expected to serve up to 40 percent of that time in custody before being released on licence. Evans was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work as part of her community sentence, marking a significant turn in their lives following the fallout from these criminal activities.