Two men from Bracknell have been jailed for dealing cocaine and MDMA using encrypted phones during the first UK Covid-19 lockdown. 

Anthony McDonnagh, 40 of Bullbrook Drive, Bracknell, and Kristopher Portis, 38 of Thornhill, also Bracknell, were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, when the court heard about their involvement in a drug gang that sought to bring 500 MDMA pills into the UK. 

McDonnagh was sentenced to six years and nine months behind bars, while Portis was sent to prison for six years and four months. 

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The court heard that the pair had debts to their supplier totalling around £229,000.

Police uncovered an Encrochat phone at McDonnagh home, with messages matching the handle "dirty sugar."

Both men were arrested on November 4, 2021.

Prosecutor Simren Singh said: "An operation commenced into organised crime gang operation in Berkshire in 2020. The group were using the Encrochat platform to organise and run a class A and B drugs supply.

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"Between March 26 and May 26, 2020, both defendants were living in Bracknell. Portis was, to the outside world, employed as a plumber.

"They were dealing boxes - i.e. kilos of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis - on a wholesale basis."

Speaking of McDonnagh, Mr Singh said: "He involved others in the operation, whether by pressure or reward. He had at least some awareness of the scale of the operation.

"The main aggravating feature for both defendants is the use of an Encrochat phone."

Michael Gomulka, defending McDonnagh, said his offending was 'completely out of character,' motivated by 'desperation.'

Mr Gomulka said: "He has brought this upon himself by the choices he has made." Mr Gomulka said his client accepted this fact.

He added: "It was completely out of character, both before and since (the offending)."

Carolina Guiloff, defence counsel for Portis, said her client had taken 'significant and successful steps' to address 'his offending behaviour.'

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Ms Guiloff said it was a tragic as Portis, who was described as a family man, effectively entered prison a substantially rehabilitated man.

"The trauma he suffered as a child and his ADHD - that is strong mitigation," Ms Guiloff added.

Mr Recorder Tom Restall said the defendants were in effect, a partnership.

He said there was a strong argument that Portis' rehabilitation was "well under way."