Oldham drug dealer led police chase with wanted man in car

Anton Verigotta, of Hardman Street, Failsworth, attempted to escape police after Gavin Phythian, of no fixed address, was spotted in a blue VW Golf on July 22 in Ashton-under-Lyne by a plain-clothed police officer on Manchester Road.

The 33-year-old was the subject of a manhunt by Greater Manchester Police after he failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington a month prior on June 21.

Verigotta, who was driving, saw police and began to drive dangerously through the town centre in an attempt to get away.

Greater Manchester Police say the drugs would be worth £7,000 in street deals (Image: GMP)

A pursuit took place until the vehicle was intercepted and brought to a stop.

Phythian and 31-year-old Verigotta then abandoned the vehicle on Richmond Street and fled.

A search of the car resulted in crack cocaine and heroin being seized alongside £646 of cash.

Greater Manchester Police says the drugs would be worth an estimated £7,000 in street deals.

A total of 97 snap bags of crack cocaine, 45 wraps of heroin, and a further five bags of crack cocaine that hadn’t been broken down into street deals were seized.

Verigotta was located by police a short time later and arrested, however Phythian remained on the run.

An investigation into Phythian’s whereabouts continued for more than a month, until he was arrested at the Premier Inn hotel, on Hettersley in Tameside on August 25.

On Monday (March 13) Phythian and Verigotta appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court to be sentenced after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Anton Verigotta of Failsworth (Image: GMP)

Phythian was sentenced to three years and one month for escaping lawful custody and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.

Verigotta was sentenced to four years and eight months for dangerous driving, money laundering and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

PC Dan Metcalfe, of GMP’s Tameside Challenger organised crime team, said: “Phythian knew he was wanted by police when he failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross yet was determined to do all he could to prevent being caught.

“With assistance from Verigotta, he was quickly back in the organised crime game, supplying class A drugs for a profit.

“Another drug dealer has been put behind bars, however it also serves as a warning to criminals already serving a sentence.

“If you flee, do not think you will simply go back to prison to serve your current sentence, you will receive extra jail time for escaping lawful custody.”