Brothers sentenced after cocaine thrown from car during police pursuit

A pair of brothers have been sentenced after attempting to discard cocaine from a car while being pursued by police.

Brothers, Tommy-Lee Bavin 20 (DOB 25/06/2005) and Frankie Bavin 27 (DOB 07/04/1999), from Epsom were spotted by officers on patrol as the pair drove along Long Grove Road in Epsom on 11 July 2024.

Officers carried out checks on the vehicle, which revealed that the registration details did not match and that the car was not insured. Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens to bring the vehicle to a stop.

The vehicle failed to stop for police and instead drove off at speed towards Hook Road.
During the pursuit, officers saw a bag being thrown from the passenger side of the vehicle. It was quickly recovered and found to contain multiple bags and tickets of cocaine, with an estimated value of between £1240 - £1600.

Subsequent analysis of mobile phones revealed messages in which Frankie referred to the police pursuit and to disposing of drugs from the vehicle. Further messages were identified as being consistent with the supply of controlled drugs.

On 23 September 2024, both men were arrested at their home addresses. Their mobile phones were seized, and small quantities of herbal cannabis were recovered.

Tommy-Lee Bavin was sentenced late last year (16 December), while Frankie Bavin was sentenced at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Monday (27 April), after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. They were sentenced as follows:

• Tommy-Lee Bavin 20 (DOB 25/06/2005) from Epsom was sentenced to three years’ detention in a Young Offender Institution for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, alongside concurrent sentences for further Class A and Class B drug supply offences, possession of Class B drugs, and handling stolen goods.

• Frankie Bavin 27 (DOB 07/04/1999) from Epsom was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay a total of £1823. He will attend a separate hearing later this month in relation to a driving matter connected to this offence.

PC Dujardin said: “This was a clear attempt to evade police while involved in the supply of illegal drugs. The incident put other road users at risk by failing to stop and attempting to dispose of evidence during the pursuit.

“We will continue to take robust action against those involved in drug-related activity and work to keep our roads and communities safe.”