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A drug dealer described as one of the Elmbridge’s most prolific offenders has been sentenced to two years and four months in a young offender institution. Joshua Griffiths, 20 (DOB 28/2/2006) from Walton-on-Thames pleaded guilty to possessing a class B drug with intent to supply, and two counts of being concerned in supplying class A drugs. PC Mark Hodgkins, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Walton-on-Thames, said: "This is an excellent outcome at court and demonstrates our continued commitment to tackling drug-related crime in Walton-on-Thames. “Drug dealing has a significant impact on our communities and remains a key local policing priority. We will continue to work proactively to identify and target those involved in supplying illegal drugs, while supporting and protecting those affected by this criminality. “I would encourage anyone with information about drug-related activity in their area to report it to Surrey Police or Crimestoppers. Information from the public is invaluable and plays a vital role in helping us keep our communities safe." 

Three men, including a rapper known by the alias Rokky, have been sentenced for their roles in a drug supply chain operating across Surrey and neighbouring counties. A trail of digital evidence led officers to 'Rocky Salter' one of many aliases for Luke Lawrence-Hunte, 28 (DOB: 09/05/1998) of Camberley, who was also known as 'Rokky'. Extensive phone analysis suggested that Lawrence-Hunte was not only heavily involved with street dealing but was actually believed to be the primary controller of a drugs supply line. A warrant for his arrest and search of his property was executed in February 2025. A large zombie-style knife was among the items located in the property. When officers located Lawrence-Hunte they found he had managed to injure himself with his own weapon, they believe while grabbing hold of it in the dark to defend himself. A search of his address also uncovered more than £1,225 in cash, quantities of ketamine and cocaine in grip-seal bags, two mobile phones, labels depicting cannabis and a set of scales, which were later found to contain residues of various controlled drugs. A mass of messages relating to drug supply was uncovered on one of the seized phones, including a trail of conversations which led officers to Clay Jefford, 27 (DOB: 09/10/1998) of Fleet. Officers searched Jefford’s home in July 2025, where they found cannabis, cocaine, £1,660 in cash, and diaries containing daily entries relating to suspected drug deals. His car was also searched, and a single black sock was found containing eight clear bags filled with a white substance believed to be cocaine. Jefford was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs. A contact saved as ‘Subs’ appeared on devices belonging to both Lawrence-Hunte and Jefford. Voice notes sent by Jefford, in which he suggested shift patterns for the 'runner', provided investigators with another link in the chain. Further enquiries identified the contact as Sabrin Gurung, 19 (DOB: 29/10/2006) of Fleet, Hampshire, subsequently revealed to be another seller operating under Lawrence-Hunte. Appearing at Chichester Crown Court on Monday, 24 August, the trio were sentenced as follows:

• Luke Lawrence-Hunte, 28 (DOB: 09/05/1998) of Camberley was sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment.

• Clay Jefford, 27 (DOB: 09/10/1998) of Fleet, Hampshire was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

• Sabrin Gurung, 19 (DOB: 29/10/2006) of Fleet, Hampshire was sentenced to one year imprisonment, suspended for one year.

Investigating officer, DC Arun Sharma said: "This was a complex investigation but, by following the evidence and analysing the digital information available to us, we were able to piece together the links between those involved and build a case against them. “Drug supply causes significant harm in our communities, and we will continue to pursue those involved relentlessly, no matter how many layers there are to uncover. “As a result of thorough police work, the three defendants have found themselves in a sticky situation with very real consequences.”

On Saturday, officers from our Roads Policing Unit and Vanguard Road Safety Team targeted three sites which have been identified as potential hotspots for anti-social driving and other traffic offences. At one of the locations, a Piaggio scooter was seen to be displaying false plates and uninsured. The vehicle was also showing as linked to numerous speeding offences in London. After being stopped, the rider was found to be riding without L plates, in possession of cannabis and failed a roadside drug test.  He was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen property, drug driving, no insurance, possession of a class B drugs and driving otherwise in accordance with the law. Other highlights included five further arrests, four additional vehicle seizures, 11 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), two summons and four fixed penalty notices. Chief Inspector Karen Coyne said: "We know that our communities are directly impacted by criminal activity on our roads, and this demonstrates our ongoing commitment to keeping Surrey's roads safe from the fatal five offences. "Dangerous or careless driving, driving while distracted such as by using a mobile phone, drink or drug-driving, driving at excess speed, and not wearing a seatbelt are the main causes of serious or fatal collisions. "By taking proactive action, targeting those who cause the most harm and working closely with our partners, we are disrupting offenders before it has fatal consequences." 

Two companies and a manager have been sentenced after being found guilty of a health and safety charge of failing to discharge their duties following the death of a labourer who died on a construction site in Banstead in June 2020. Gheorghita Arsene, 33, died when a 10ft (3m) trench collapsed on top of him, covering him in soil. He had been working on a site in Park Road where an old care home was being demolished to make way for a new purpose-built home. Following a three-month trial at the Central Criminal Court, principal contractor Appledorn Developments Limited were found guilty of a health and safety charge of failing to discharge their duties. They were fined £500,000 with the judge, Her Honour Judy Khan KC, commenting that "their failure to ensure that a safe system of work was motivated by the desire to get the works done quickly and cheaply". T Vaughan Limited were also found guilty of a health and safety charge of failing to discharge their duties and were fined £650,000. They were also ordered to pay a further £40,000 in costs. The judge said she was” satisfied that systems were in place, but these were not sufficiently adhered to or implemented”. Contracts manager Anthony O'Connor, 42, of Romford, Essex, pleaded guilty to failing to discharge his duty under the Health and Safety Act 1974, which was accepted by the prosecution. The judge sentenced him to 10 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, saying that “a number of workers were exposed to the risk of harm”. The jury failed to reach a verdict in relation to a charge of manslaughter against O'Connor. Site manager Peter Wraith, 54, from New Waltham in Lincolnshire, was found not guilty of manslaughter and assistant site manager Gregory Peake, 51, from Bromley in south-east London, was acquitted of failing to discharge his health and safety duty. The court was told that a health and safety inspection found there were no supports to the trench and the excavated soil had been deposited unsafely close to it. Mr Arsene, described in court as a "good man who worked hard and achieved everything through his hard work”, had been working to replace a damaged pipe at the bottom of the trench and was clearing soil when one of the trench walls collapsed. Despite desperate attempts by his colleagues, they could not pull him free. Fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene but faced similar difficulties in digging Mr Arsene out, and he was confirmed deceased at the scene shortly after the incident took place. Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Debbie Birch, said: “Gheorgita Arsene’s death could have been avoided if the appropriate health and safety measures had been followed. It can be easy to cut corners to save time and money but this tragic death highlights just how important health and safety legislation is on all building sites. “Sadly, this resulted in the death of a 33-year-old man who was simply trying to do his job, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.” A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said: "Gheorghita Arsene's death was as horrifying as it was preventable. He lost his life because basic precautions were not in place to protect workers from the well-known risks that come with excavation work. “Anthony O'Connor had observed workers in the trench without adequate protection and was aware of the measures required to prevent a collapse. “This case is a stark reminder that when basic safety standards are ignored, the consequences can be fatal. Companies and individuals alike have legal duties to protect workers and where they fail to do so, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action. "Our thoughts today are with Mr Arsene's loved ones, as they mourn their loss."