A former children's care home worker from Merseyside has been sentenced for her involvement in the supply of ketamine. Morgan Quigley, 29, was handed a 12-month community order at Liverpool Crown Court after text messages revealed her connection to a drug supply operation with her former manager, Lindy Leah.
The court heard that Quigley, of Cooperage Close, Brunswick, worked under Leah, who was separately convicted for grooming a teenage boy at the same St Helens care home. The drug-related activities came to light after police seized Leah's phone during their investigation into the grooming offences.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan Quigley, 29, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class B drug ketamine.
- The involvement was discovered through text messages on the phone of her manager, Lindy Leah.
- Leah was also convicted for supplying drugs and grooming a child in her care.
- Quigley received a 12-month community order, avoiding a custodial sentence due to mitigating factors.
- The court heard Quigley felt pressured by her superior and has since lost her career.
Discovery Through Text Messages
The case against Morgan Quigley unfolded after police examined the phone of her 44-year-old manager, Lindy Leah. Leah, of Capesthorne Road in Warrington, was under investigation for serious grooming offences involving a teenage boy at the care home where both women were employed.
During the investigation, police found incriminating text messages between the two colleagues. Prosecutor Graham Pickavance told Liverpool Crown Court about a specific exchange that took place on March 13 of the previous year.
Leah sent a message to Quigley asking, "Why haven't you sold my ket?" Quigley replied a short time later, writing, "Ha ha you know what, I forgot about that," to which Leah responded, "Lazy you."
'We Would Make a Killing'
Further messages presented in court showed Leah suggesting they form a business partnership to sell drugs. Quigley's response to the proposal was: "We would make a killing."
Co-Defendant's Convictions
Lindy Leah appeared in court a day before Quigley. She was found guilty of being a person in a position of trust causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. She also pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, specifically ketamine and cannabis resin.
The court also heard evidence that on one occasion, Quigley had attended her job at the care home while under the influence of drugs and had to be sent home by management.
Defence Arguments and Mitigation
During the sentencing hearing on September 16, Quigley's defence counsel, Peter Killen, argued that she played a lesser role in the operation. He emphasized the power dynamic between Quigley and her manager, Leah, who held a supervisory position over her.
"The lesser role properly reflects not only the actions of Quigley but also her position as an employee of the co-defendant who was her supervisor and manager," Mr. Killen stated. "She felt she couldn't say no. She knows that was an unhealthy relationship for her."
The court was informed that a pre-sentence report assessed Quigley as a "vulnerable adult." Mr. Killen detailed how she suffered from anxiety stemming from bullying during her school years, a condition that was reportedly worsened by the significant delay in bringing the case to court.
Significant Personal Consequences
The defence highlighted the severe personal and professional repercussions Quigley has already faced due to her actions. Her misconduct led directly to her dismissal from the care home, ending her career as a carer.
Career and Travel Plans Lost
According to her defence, Quigley had been offered a promotion to team leader by Leah before the offences came to light. The conviction has also ruined her long-held ambitions to travel and work in Australia.
Furthermore, Mr. Killen explained that Quigley is the primary and registered carer for her grandfather, who is in his 80s and in poor health. He noted that there was concern that no one else would be available to assist him if she were to receive an immediate custodial sentence.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
In his final remarks, Judge Brian Cummings acknowledged the mitigating factors presented by the defence. He concluded that the case did not warrant a prison sentence.
"This is not a case for custody," Judge Cummings said. "There are no aggravating factors. There are a number of important mitigating factors. You're 29 and you have no previous convictions."
The judge continued, accepting Quigley's remorse and the details of the pre-sentence report regarding her mental health. He also recognized the negative impact of the case's delay and the adverse consequences she had already suffered.
"I accept that, irrespective of anything the court does, there have already been adverse consequences for you," he added.
The Final Sentence
Morgan Quigley was sentenced for being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. Her sentence consists of:
- A 12-month community order.
- 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
- A 12-month mental health treatment requirement.
This outcome allows Quigley to serve her sentence in the community while receiving treatment and support aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending.