Church's ex jailed for 12 years

After being caught with £10m worth of heroin, Charlotte...

12:15 11 September 2009

Charlotte Church's ex-boyfriend has been jailed for 12 years after being caught with £10million worth of heroin.

Kyle Johnson, 24, of Stratford, pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday.

Judge Peter Ader stated: "It is clear that the quantity of drugs involved could only be achieved by an international criminal enterprise. You are in the middle."

In December 2008, officers at Scotland Yard officers seized 330lb of heroin and more than £24,000 in cash when they raided Johnson’s home in east London.

Johnson went on the run following the police operation, but came back to turn himself in on 30 June.

Detective Inspector Colin Stephenson said: "This was one of the most significant drugs seizures by the Met last year, and has seriously disrupted a major criminal network planning to flood London with heroin over the Christmas period.

"The fact that Johnson handed himself in and pleaded guilty demonstrates the thoroughness of the investigation we conducted and the overwhelming evidence we obtained. Today's sentencing is yet another blow to those who attempt to supply drugs in London."

Johnson split from pop singer Charlotte Church in 2005 after 18 months dating.

Church is now a mother to two children - Ruby, 23 months, and eight-month-old Dexter – with her partner Welsh rugby player Gavin Henson.