TWO men have been jailed by the Royal Court after separate cases in which each pleaded guilty to bringing drugs into the Island.
Terry David Renyard (53) was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for attempting to import 192 grams of cocaine with 64% purity. The offence came as he arrived at the Airport on 5 July from Alicante, the Spanish city where he has lived for the past seven years, and was stopped by Customs officers.
Richard Steven Connelly (41), who tried to import ten grams of cocaine and just under five grams of ketamine, was jailed for three years and six months having been stopped by Customs officers at the Airport after arriving from Manchester on 16 July.
“Visiting a friend”
In the first case, Renyard told officers that he was visiting the Island to see a friend called “James” but was unable to provide any further details.
He was subsequently searched by officers and found to have a concealed package containing the of cocaine in his underwear.
During questioning, Renyard admitted he had purchased the cocaine in Alicante intending to sell it in Jersey, where it would have an estimated street value of between £29,000 and £48,000.
Crown Advocate Adam Harrison, prosecuting, argued that Renyard planned and carried the importation attempt himself in order to make a profit.
He added that the defendant had ten convictions for 16 offences, including one historic offence for possession of a controlled drug in 1988, and a 2018 conviction in Spain for being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug for which he served three years in prison.
Advocate Mark Boothman, defending, said that Renyard had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
He added that Renyard had been co-operative during the investigation, demonstrated remorse, and had been productive during his time in prison, attending the gym, art classes, and working as a cleaner.
In a letter read to the court by Advocate Boothman, Renyard expressed regret and took full accountability for his actions.
The letter read: “I fully accept my crime and its consequences. I offer my support to the court and to the people of Jersey. I am 53 years of age, and I should have known better. My choice was devastating. I take full responsibility for my actions and intend to repay my debt to Jersey.”
Commissioner Alan Binnington spoke about the severity of Renyard’s crime, calling it a “commercial venture planned to make a profit”.
He pointed to Renyard’s admission that he intended to sell the drugs to cover his debts and noted the defendant’s long history of criminal behaviour.
“This drug has the potential to ruin lives and has a damaging effect on society,” he said.
However, he acknowledged Renyard’s candid approach and willingness to admit his actions and gave him credit for the remorse he had shown.
“Working as a roofer”
In the second, separate, case, Connelly, from Nottingham, claimed that he was due to undertake work as a roofer for around ten days.
No drugs were found on Connelly but a scan of his mobile phone came back positive and he admitted to having taken cocaine in the days before travelling.
He later produced a cling film-wrapped package containing nine resealable bags of white powder.
Analysis confirmed that the substance was 10.29 grams of cocaine with an average purity of 25%, as well as 4.79 grams of ketamine.
The cocaine was estimated to have a street value of between £1,500 and £2,500 while the ketamine could have been sold for between £300 and £400.
On 19 July, Connelly pleaded guilty to importation charges in the Magistrate’s Court. He said that while some of the cocaine was for his personal use, he intended to share the rest with others working in the building trade in the Island.
Advocate Adam Harrison, prosecuting, argued that this represented “commercial supply” rather than “social supply”.
He told the court that Connelly’s actions constituted an “organised importation” and also pointed to his previous drug-related convictions from 2015 for cannabis production and possession of cocaine and amphetamine.
Advocate Allana Binnie, defending, highlighted that the quality of the cocaine was “extremely low” and that its price was inflated in Jersey compared to the UK.
Advocate Binnie claimed that Connelly intentionally chose lower-purity drugs to reduce costs, sourcing them from a regular dealer.
She also told the court about Connelly’s challenging personal circumstances, which she said had led him to use drugs as a coping mechanism.
Advocate Binnie further explained that Connelly had been the primary caregiver for his father since 2022 and was expecting a child in February 2025.
“He has made a huge effort to turn his life around while in prison so he can be the best father he can be upon his release,” she told the court.
Commissioner Alan Binnington said Connelly’s actions were part of an “importation in part for commercial supply” that he had “organised and carried out” himself. He pointed to Connelly’s “significant substance abuse and alcohol issues” and the potential detrimental impact of drug importation to the community in Jersey.
The Commissioner also spoke about the impact of Connelly’s actions on his family, especially his mother, who would now be responsible for caring for his father in his absence and his pregnant partner.
The cases were heard by the Superior Number of the Royal Court, which only convenes for the most serious cases. Jurats Le Cornu, Cornish, Le Heuzé, Entwistle and Berry were sitting.
