AN 81-year-old man has been spared jail after he admitted being involved with a drugs gang.

Thomas Hayden, of Aberllanerch Drive in Buckley, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday morning.

He admitted one offence of participating in the activities of an organised criminal group over a period of months in 2019.

John Philpotts, prosecuting, told the court Hayden was the last defendant remaining to be dealt with in relation to a police operation called "Blue Moon."

The Leader reported earlier this year how the operation tackled a conspiracy to bring class A drugs to North Wales.

A sentencing hearing in January saw 21-year-old Mark Lavelle of Prince William Street in Liverpool, 29-year-old Shaun Lines of Kingsley Road in Garden City and 23-year-old Jonathan Jones of Lancaster Road in Widnes jailed.

A fourth defendant, 33-year-old Kayleigh Jones of of Kingsley Road in Garden City, received a suspended sentence.

The four had admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin and were described by Judge Niclas Parry as "a serious organised crime group."

After pleading guilty to participating in the group, the court heard Hayden had allowed his vehicle to be used for giving lifts to members of the conspiracy, as well as on one occasion driving to Liverpool for a drugs collection.

He had also allowed his phone to be used.

Philip Tully, defending, said his client had no previous convictions.

The court also heard he hadn't been before the court with the other defendants due to ill health.

Judge David Hale told Hayden: "You must have known something was wrong - it was very silly of you.

"But I accept you were not wholly in control of your own emotions.

"You must never do anything like this again and if anyone puts pressure on you to do anything, speak to your daughter first."

Hayden responded: "It is something I regret immensely."

He received an eight month custodial sentence, but Judge Hale suspended it for 12 months.