Another conversation with “Snowy Orchid” revealed that a 1kg transaction was taking place on Aigburth Road during containment measures. Pritchard also allegedly discussed the importation of cocaine from the Netherlands with his fellow conspirators.

He was eventually arrested at his home shortly before 7am on June 11 this year, after officers entered through the open rear patio doors, locating the accused upstairs inside the property . Merseyside Police seized a total of £4,250 in cash, including £1,000 in £1 coins, during the raid.

Pritchard has five previous convictions for unrelated offences. Nigel Power KC, defending, told the court his client had been involved in a “loose co-op where his place was lower in the pecking order”, adding: “He is, apart from that, an obviously good man. revealed in the evidence in this case reveal that he is more of a seeker than a being.

“He is supported in the public gallery today by his mother, his sister, his brother-in-law and two friends. The fact that he has this support will not surprise your honor, having read what people have written about him.

“This is out of character and offensive. Your Honor will see from various references that there was a reason why a man who had always worked hard found himself in trouble when one of his companies went bankrupt. They are talking all with one positive voice. They do it in different ways: through their friends, through their family, through their employees and through people within the prison.

“We can see what Mr. Pritchard has done since the offense. He is truly someone who has put all that behind him. Mr. Pritchard has built two impressive businesses. He now employs around 30 people.”

Pritchard admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Appearing via video link to HMP Altcourse, wearing a black jumper over a white shirt, black tie and black-rimmed glasses, he was jailed for six years and eight months.

Sentencing, Judge Charlotte Crangle said: “You admitted trading in desperation and destitution. You were initially motivated by desperation over your financial situation, but you must have also been motivated by greed, without regard for the well-being of others. .

“You were playing for high stakes and financial reward. You should expect that severe penalties will follow for those who seek to profit in this manner.

“You thought you were invincible and protected by the phone in your hand, but it turned out to be your undoing. Thanks to the painstaking and painstaking work of several agencies, there is now no hiding place for those who were selling drugs in this way.

“The contents of your phone revealed precisely what you were doing. You were part of a group called a free cooperative. It is clear from these messages that you were one of four equal partners and that you shared in the profits.

“You were responsible for the supply and sale of class A and B drugs. You were sometimes a middleman and clearly coordinated your rounds with other users.

“It is clear from what has been written by and about you that you were and have since become an honest and hard-working family man. It is clear that you are very remorseful for your conduct. This has been demonstrated by your behavior since these offenses were committed.

“You fell into this offense because you fell into debt while the Covid pandemic significantly affected your business. Instead of perhaps taking other legitimate means of getting out, you sought an extreme way out driven by the profit levels that were to be available.

“It is clear that this behavior was extremely unusual. You have done many positive things in your life and helped others, and you have clearly used your time on remand and since your offenses productively and seeking to help others .”