The Downfall of Richard and Diane Brookhouse: A Look Back at North West's Criminal Past

Richard Brookhouse, a notorious drugs kingpin, orchestrated a £100m cocaine trafficking empire from behind bars during his day release, while his wife, Diane, indulged in luxury using their ill-gotten gains.

Brookhouse, already serving a 22-year sentence for drug importation, plotted to flood the UK with cocaine and heroin from his prison at HMP Kirkham, meeting with Manchester and Liverpool drug gangs.

Authorities believe half a ton of pure cocaine was smuggled into the UK via covert operations disguised as coach fishing trips.

The operation was a family affair, with Diane acting as Richard's accomplice, benefiting from their criminal activities through a lavish lifestyle filled with Botox treatments and expensive haircuts.

In April 2013, following a major drug seizure, detectives became suspicious of Brookhouse and captured key players involved.

Meetings with Gangs During Day Release

Initially imprisoned in 2003, Brookhouse earned day release by claiming rehabilitative efforts in 2012, only to meet with drug dealers like Carl Wall and Andrew Wilde.

Police operation "Redbank" began after receiving tips about his ongoing criminal activities.

Brookhouse was labelled a "lifestyle drug dealer," attempting to re-establish himself in the drug trade.

Detective Superintendent Jason Hudson remarked that Brookhouse leveraged his 22-year drug conviction for respect among criminals to advance his operations.

Brookhouse orchestrated a network for transporting drugs through the North West, utilizing high-level contacts for sourcing shipments.

Connections to Other Gang Members

Carl Wall, an ex-boxer with a criminal background, was involved in this operation. Wall had previously served time for violent threats related to a cannabis disappearance.

Evidence indicated Wall's financial gains stemmed from crime, with companies generating no income despite his lavish lifestyle.

Significant players in the gang included Gerrard Mooney, Darren Williams, and Karl Glennon, involved in large-scale drug distribution.

In March 2013, some gang members were caught meeting with drug couriers using fishing trips as a front to transport drugs from France, leading to the seizure of drugs valued at over £15m.

These trips involved a systematic smuggling operation, contributing to up to 500kg of cocaine entering the UK.

Diane Brookhouse's Lavish Lifestyle

Living off her husband's criminal earnings and state benefits, Diane frequented luxury salons, owned expensive devices, and purchased designer goods.

Despite her claims of ignorance regarding her husband's criminal activities, evidence showed her active involvement in facilitating the drug trade.

During the trial, it was revealed that she maintained a lavish lifestyle beyond her benefits, indicating complicity in her husband's crimes.

After a thorough investigation, roles of all suspects were revealed, including connections to another notorious drug lord, Paul Hannon, and his operations.

Hannon and his associate were arrested during a meeting with Brookhouse, resulting in additional drug seizures and various sentences for the involved parties.

Ultimately, the group received a collective 247 years in prison, with Richard Brookhouse sentenced to 20 years and Diane to 14 years.

Post-incarceration, Brookhouse faced a proceeds of crime application, revealing significant assets amassed during his criminal tenure.