Lengthy prison sentences for violent offenders who beat man over drug debt

Lengthy prison sentences have been handed down to two offenders who beat up a man over a drug debt in Nuneaton.

One of the offenders, Tom Powell, known to local drug users as Snoop, is described by detectives as playing a key role in the supply of drugs in Nuneaton.

The incident happened on 13 June 2022. Powell and his accomplice, Tyrell Scott, approached a local drug user who they claim owed them £200.

The masked offenders punched the victim to the floor shouting “where’s the money?”

The victim was then dragged into a car where Powell and Scott continued to assault him during a four-minute journey to Kingswood Road, Nuneaton.

The violent offenders attempted to drag the victim from the car to a block of flats, but they couldn’t get in and fled after being confronted by a member of the public.

The victim was taken to hospital by passers by where he received treatment for injuries to his face and body. 

Powell and Scott were arrested later that day after officers stopped a car in Kingswood Road.

Powell was also convicted of drug offences after detectives found evidence he was dealing on phones seized from known drug users in the town.  

They also uncovered evidence that he had used threats to force two local drug users to sell drugs from their home in Nuneaton.

Powell, 19, of Bottrill Street, Nuneaton was jailed for six years and 10 months at Warick Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Scott, 21, of Howick Drive, Nottingham was jailed for five years at Warwick Crown Court last month after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

Detective Constable Dan Lydster from Warwickshire Police Serious Organised Crime Team said: “Powell and Scott are undoubtedly dangerous people who think nothing of using serious violence to settle a score. Nuneaton will be a safer place with them behind bars.

“We’re especially pleased with the conviction of Powell who we’ve shown to be one of the key players in the supply of class A drugs in Nuneaton. The supply of drugs brings nothing but misery to our communities.”