SCOUSE TOMMY' PLEADS FOR MERCY AS HE'S JAILED FOR DRUGS AND PUB BRAWL

Branded 'Scouse Tommy', Brandon McGee, stood before Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, telling the judge, ‘I've made mistakes, but that's how you grow as a person.’ The 21-year-old drug dealer was slapped with a 37-month sentence for a string of offences, including possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and affray. Caitlin McLachlan, prosecuting, laid out the sordid details. Cops spotted a suspected drug user outside a flat on Eastbank Street in Southport last July. When they moved in, McGee tried to chuck an Under Armour bag out of the window, but it was yanked back inside as voices shouted, ‘The bizzies are outside.’ Police kicked down the door and nabbed McGee, finding £710 worth of heroin and crack cocaine, along with a wad of cash. McGee initially claimed he was just staying with his uncle and knew nothing about the drugs. But phone messages revealed he was running a graft line, selling class A and B drugs. The drama didn’t stop there. In December, a pub brawl erupted at the Wild Rose on Stanley Road in Bootle after McGee’s mum got slapped. CCTV showed her approaching a bloke before getting a slap back. Her brother then smashed a glass bottle and held it to the guy's neck, while McGee threw punches. More trouble followed in March this year. Police swooped on an address in Warrington linked to 'Scouse Tommy', seizing £800 of cocaine and £420 of heroin. CCTV showed McGee buying top-ups for graft phones, sending out nearly 1,000 messages advertising drugs. McGee’s lawyer, David Birrell, argued that his client was co-opted by more sophisticated dealers as a teenager and had a rough upbringing. ‘He wants to turn his life around,’ Birrell said, noting McGee has prospects of employment in construction and fabrication. Addressing the court, McGee read a heartfelt letter: ‘Growing up for me weren’t really that great. I take full accountability for my actions. Being 21 in jail has made me think about my future.’ Recorder Emma Fisher handed down the sentence, acknowledging McGee’s difficult background but stressing there was no alternative to custody. ‘I note your motivation to turn your life around,’ she said. McGee thanked the judge as he was led away, while his mum and brother, who deny affray charges, await trial.