Sophie Bannister and Levi-April Whalley Speak Out on Online Abuse

Two women, Sophie Bannister and Levi-April Whalley from Blackburn, have recently spoken out about the online abuse they have been subjected to after being caught smuggling drugs into the UK. They initially claimed to Border Force officials that they were on a three-day shopping trip to New York.

However, investigations revealed text messages that implicated them in a plot to import a large quantity of cannabis. Both women were stopped at Birmingham Airport and subsequently received suspended sentences.

Since their case, the women have faced a barrage of online harassment, targeting not only them but also their families. Whalley referred to the abusers as "evil keyboard warriors," highlighting that they have made derogatory remarks about her late mother and her baby.

The 31-year-old expressed her dismay, saying: "They speak about my daughter and even my mum who has just passed away. It's evil. We've done wrong, but I've not murdered anyone. I'm not saying what we did wasn't bad, because it still is."

Bannister described their situation as a reflection of their naivety regarding the trip. Both women claimed they were unaware of the full extent of their charges, a defense that was not accepted by the judge.

The judge noted that both women knowingly carried a significant amount of cannabis into the UK, specifically, 35.5kg across their suitcases. Bannister explained their reluctant involvement, admitting, "We were too deep in it by that point and they knew a lot about where we both lived, our families and stuff. It was very stupid. The biggest mistake. We'll regret it for the rest of our lives."

Following their court appearance, Bannister expressed gratitude on social media to those who supported them during what she called a "mentally and emotionally challenging" time, stating they endured "15 months of torture" filled with lessons and tears.

Whalley recently gave birth to a daughter and faced the additional grief of losing her mother just before her sentencing.

Judge Richard Archer considered these mitigating factors when determining their sentences.

Case Timeline

In December 2023, both women claimed to have visited New York for shopping but later revealed through text messages that they were involved in a lucrative cannabis smuggling scheme.

Upon returning to the UK on December 9, via Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, they were apprehended at Birmingham Airport. Each woman was aware that their actions were illegal; however, they insisted they packed their own luggage.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered substantial quantities of cannabis: 16.5kg in Bannister's case and 19kg in Whalley's, with street values estimated at £40,500 and £121,500, respectively. Whalley initially claimed the packages contained watches.

Both women ultimately pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of a prohibition and were sentenced at Preston Crown Court. Bannister received a suspended sentence and was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work. Whalley, carrying the larger amount, was also given a suspended sentence and must complete 10 days of rehabilitation along with 80 hours of unpaid work.