Six members of an organised criminal network who supplied drugs across the south-east have been jailed for more than 40 years.

The men from Surrey and London were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Friday (May 26), having previously pleaded guilty to numerous offences.

The offences included supplying Class A drugs, firearms offences, and committing armed robberies.

The members of the gang were collectively jailed for 40 years and four months, including a father and son duo from Earlsfield and Thursley and a 36-year-old man from Feltham.

David Lee Simmons, of Earlsfield, David Terry Simmons, of Thursley and Karl Couling, of Feltham were all jailed for their part in the criminal network
David Lee Simmons, of Earlsfield, David Terry Simmons, of Thursley and Karl Couling, of Feltham were all jailed for their part in the criminal network

'Fully established organised crime network has been dismantled'

Detective Inspector Philip McInerney said: "This operation has had a significant impact on the supply of drugs across the south-east.

"A fully established organised crime network has been dismantled and these men now face lengthy prison sentences.

"The harm they have done, not only by supplying drugs, but also by providing firearms and committing robberies, is clear for all to see.

"They are all now facing lengthy prison sentences.

"We remain committed to taking drugs and firearms off the capital's streets and will arrest those involved in their supply."

Detectives caught up with the men after launching "Operation Ruda" in May 2015 to tackle the organised crime network - headed by Michael O'Driscoll.

Officers discovered the organised crime network was involved in the prolific supply of drugs, firearms offences and large-scale handling of stolen goods from organised burglary and armed robbery.

The criminal network was headed by Michael O'Driscoll
The criminal network was headed by Michael O'Driscoll

O'Driscoll ran two businesses - a florist called "Flowers in the Wind" and "David Simmons Jewellers" in Wandsworth.

The businesses were used to support his criminal behaviour and that of others across the United Kingdom.

Numerous suspects were arrested on January 25 this year and 20 addresses across the south east were searched.

A search of the Wandsworth jewellery shop recovered stolen jewellery and £32,000 in cash.

O'Driscoll, 58, of Claremount Avenue, New Malden was sentenced to 16 years in jail.

He pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence (a 9mm automatic handgun), offering to supply Class A drugs (ecstasy tablets) to another, encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, attempting to handle stolen goods and transferring criminal property, namely £35,000.

David Lee Simmons, 38, of Garratt Lane, Earlsfield was sentenced to two years and eight months' for manufacturing a prohibited weapon - a stun gun - conspiracy to handle stolen goods and attempting to handle stolen goods.

His father, David Terry Simmons, 62, of Portsmouth Road, Thursley, was jailed for four years for conspiracy to handle stolen goods, attempting to handle stolen goods and transferring criminal property.

Karl Couling, 36, of Leigh Place, Feltham, was jailed for six years for selling/transferring a prohibited weapon and ammunition, namely a 9mm pistol.

Kevin Edwards-Prithcard, 32, of Wingate Crescent, Croydon was sentenced to three years and eight months for encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence, which involved planning an armed warehouse robbery.

Robert D'Acosta, 55, of Beltona Gardens, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, was jailed for eight years for supplying a Class B drug (ketamine), possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine), Class B drugs (ketamine) and Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of criminal property, namely £45,000 cash.