Islington drug dealer convicted after arrest by fleet-footed officer

A drug dealer is facing jail for drugs offences after a fleet-footed officer chased him down in Islington.

Willano Moore was arrested by an officer who gave chase when he saw him dealing in a playground.

Moore, 25 (29.03.99), of Hornsey Street, N7 pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 2 May.

He will be sentenced at the same court on 28 June.

The court heard that on 31 August 2020 Moore was seen by an officer on patrol dealing drugs in Paradise Park, N7.

Moore ran off and was chased 200 yards before being contained in the playground of a nearby primary school.

Officers searched the area and found a burner phone he had discarded in a shrub in a back garden adjacent to the school.

An investigation carried out by the Central North Gangs Unit found the phone was linked to a drug line offering crack cocaine and heroin for sale.

Moore was initially released under investigation while evidence was gathered and charged with multiple offences in March 2022.

A trial was due to take place in June 2024 but due to the overwhelming evidence against him Moore pleaded guilty beforehand.

HHJ Sharkey told Moore a custodial sentence is likely on Friday 28 June 2024.

Sergeant Will Smith said: “Moore was desperate to get away from officers after being seen openly dealing drugs in a children's play park. An officer bravely gave chase and he was quickly arrested.

"He had fled into a local school playground but thankfully this incident happened when the children were on their summer holidays.

"The evidence against him, including the discarded phone, meant Moore had no option but to plead guilty."