Drug gang leader dies in prison

A FORMER Midland crime boss died following a battle with cancer, a coroner has determined.

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John Dawes made around £8.3 million through his drug empire and was once one of the most feared gang leaders in the Midlands.

The 56-year-old, pictured, had been diagnosed with lymphoma a number of years ago and he died of the disease on July 5 at Nottingham City Hospital.

Coroner Amanda Bewley told Nottingham Coroner's Court that Dawes was a serving prisoner at HMP Nottingham at the time of his death, having last been recalled in 2023.

He was admitted to the hospital on June 30 and died at 3.10am on July 5.