Wayne Cleaver & Sasha Bailey Conclude Trial of Op Arizona

18 December 2025

Wayne Cleaver and Sasha Bailey successfully prosecuted eight defendants in a six week trial for Conspiracies to Convey Prohibited Articles into Prison and large-scale Drug Dealing. The investigation began when drugs and mobile phones were found in HMP Chelmsford having been smuggled in by a Prison Officer for illicit use by a serving prisoner. The seizure led to the discovery of links between the Prison Officer and others engaged in drug dealing in Essex. Drug dealers on the outside were further linked to an on-going Conspiracy to Supply operated by the head of an OCG from inside the prison whilst serving a sentence of 24 years. A formidable core of evidence was built by the Prison Investigations Team of Essex Police. Sentencing has been adjourn to a later date.

Wayne and Sasha are both Grade 4 prosecutors and were instructed by the Complex Case Unit for East of England.

Sasha Bailey Criminal Defence Barrister

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