Drug Dealer Fails to Flush His Past Away

Published on: 5 Apr, 2024
Updated on: 7 Apr, 2024

Terry Daoust

A drug dealer caught trying to flush evidence down his lavatory, will spend four years and six months behind bars, after being sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, April 4.

Terry Daoust, 34, of Shackleford Green, Godalming, pleaded guilty on 29 February after a long-running investigation concluded with overwhelming evidence against him into his involvement in drug supply.

Daoust was first suspected to be involved in drug supply after messages recovered on the telephone of another drug dealer identified him as one of his suppliers.

After building a strong case, on March 11, 2023, a warrant was executed at Daoust’s home address in Godalming. On gaining entry, Daoust was found in the bathroom with his hand down the toilet, in what officers later discovered to be an attempt to destroy evidence.

Officers located the phone from the u-bend of the lavatory and the phone was sent off to digital forensic specialists, who arranged a rebuild of the device. Once completed, messages were recovered showing Daoust was involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Daoust was arrested again on January 24, and another phone seized from him. This device was found to contain messages proving he was still involved in the supply of drugs.

Guildford Crown Court

On February 29 he entered a guilty plea at Guildford Crown Court and was charged and remanded.

A police spokesperson said: “Without the persistence of the officers and digital forensic team involved in this case, a successful conviction would have been very difficult.”

PC Laidlaw who led the investigation said: “Tackling drug dealing across Surrey is a commitment we will continue to focus on. Those who deal drugs have a profound impact on the community, and we will continue to seek justice against them.”