Gang boss caused 'loss, misery and fear'

SALFORD gangster Jamie Rothwell has been sentenced to 43 years after ordering underworld hits, arranging huge drug deals and the sale of guns from his Spanish bolthole.

- By ANDREW BARDSLEY

Rothwell was exposed after European law enforcement hacked into the EncroChat encrypted communications network, a system used by organised crime across the continent.

The 38-year-old became one of the National Crime Agency's most wanted after messages revealed he had organised a shooting in Warrington in furtherance of a gangland feud, while he lived in a plush apartment in Barcelona.

But the net eventually closed in on Rothwell and he was brought back to the UK to face justice. He was sentenced yesterday at Manchester Crown Court, appearing by video link from HMP Wakefield.

Rothwell had been brought to court on Wednesday under armed guard to listen to his barrister make submissions to the judge on his behalf.

His lawyer claimed that Rothwell is ‘tired’ of his life of crime and wants to help young people avoid taking his path.

Rothwell had pleaded guilty to a series of gun and drug offences. He received a total sentence of 43 years.

His sentence is comprised of a total of 18 years for drugs offences, and a consecutive 25-year extended sentence for firearms offences. The extended sentence includes 21 years in prison and an extra four years on licence.