A drug dealer was snared after police intercepted messages referencing a 'Dirty Harry' gun. Gary Moffatt, 35, traded wholesale quantities of heroin, cocaine and cannabis using the handle 'SmartRoyal' on encrypted communications platform EncroChat.
The once top-secret messaging system used by criminals operated on customised Android mobile phones. Accessed by a secure password, a user on the platform was given a unique 'handle', typically made up of a noun and an adjective.
But in what was described as a 'game-changer' and 'monumental' by police chiefs in the UK, the National Crime Agency working with crime-fighting colleagues across Europe announced in July 2020 that the EncroChat system's encryption code had been cracked. Law enforcement agencies could finally see what those they were hunting were saying and planning - and arrests followed.
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Moffatt was also unmasked after he saved a man's life and through pictures taken on his stag do in Bilbao. Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday, that data revealed his contacts had saved the username as 'Moff', 'Gary Moff' and 'Gaz Moff' on their devices, while he had also given his initials out in messages.
Moffatt, of the Spinney in Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, sent associates pictures from the inside and exterior of his house, a photo of his son and an image showing the youngster's toybox with his name on it.
Henry Riding, prosecuting, described one conversation on April 20 in which the account holder referred to a crash having occurred 'outside his ma's'. The defendant was said to have given CPR to a motorist on this date after he suffered a medical episode behind the wheel on the same street.
Further photographs taken during 'SmartRoyal's' stag do in Bilbao were also exchanged over the service. Records showed Moffatt had previously travelled from Manchester Airport to the Spanish city via Dusseldorf, reports The Echo.
He indicated in his communications that he drove a black Nissan Qashqai and referred to 'ripping up the garden' and having artificial grass fitted, such work having been completed at his property. Pictures of a hand holding quantities of cannabis and prescription drugs were also found to match his fingerprints.
Another message, sent on May 20, spoke of the sender being 'away from the kids for 10 years', reading: "It was the worst lad. Killed me, my 10."
Moffatt was previously handed a sentence of around a decade for conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary in 2011. Overall, his communications showed discussions concerning the supply of 12kg of cocaine, 3kg of heroin and up to 63kg of cannabis and cannabis resin, the court heard.
Mr Riding also referred to an exchange with 'GrandFisher', in which he appeared to be attempting to sell or exchange his 1892 model Colt revolver and obtain .357 and .3 calibre ammunition. In the messages, 'SmartRoyal' asked: "Can you get any slugs for 357?"
The unnamed other user then replied: "I've got a Colt 357. Do you want to do a swap?" Moffatt then responded that the gun was 'too big for me' and described it as 'being like Dirty Harry'. He added: "I might sell it if I can get a swap on it."
'GrandFisher' told him 'I'll buy it', after which 'SmartRoyal' said: "It's a beast mate, but just too big for me. I just like to stick to a little bag round my neck."
Moffatt has a total of five previous convictions for 12 offences dating back to 2007. Matthew Buckland, defending, told the court: "References reveal something of a different side to Gary Moffatt. There was an emergency situation where a man was driving a motor vehicle and unfortunately suffered a cardiac arrest.
"Mr Moffatt was the first member of the public who stopped. He dragged him out of the car for his own safety and commenced CPR. There was a long road to recovery. But for that intervention, his prognosis would not be as good as it is and the outcome may even have been the worst possible outcome.
"There are also generous references from boxing clubs he has given his time and expertise to, those in the community who need help. These clubs often attract people who have troubles, and it drags them away from damaging uses. He has put his time and skills into helping others from falling into the pitfalls he has fallen into. He sits on the apex of his wing as a link between the staff and prisoners.
"He is a mentor and he is a listener. There is one man within that jail who would not be here today, but for his intervention. He had attempted suicide. Mr Moffatt put him right and set his life back on track. When he gets out, his only priorities will be himself and his son. He does not want to be inside a prison cell again."
Moffatt admitted conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, cannabis and cannabis resin, conspiracy to transfer a prohibited weapon and conspiracy to possess ammunition. He was jailed for 21 years and two months.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones told Moffatt: "Clearly, the effect will be most substantial as far as your young son is concerned. There are various documents served that attest to your positive aspects. Clearly, they indicate another side to you. You were wanting to sell or exchange your Colt pistol for a less cumbersome, portable and modern weapon. It can only be assumed that the potentially lethal weapon was for use in your drug trafficking business."
