A man from Darlington who admitted supplying cocaine last year has been told he will be sentenced alongside another defendant involved in the same case.
Court hearing and next steps
Jack Criddle appeared by video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton, at Durham Crown Court after pleading guilty to a single charge of supplying a class A drug on 17 January 2025. At a plea hearing, Judge Richard Bennett remanded Criddle to remain in custody and said his guilty plea would be a factor in mitigation when he is sentenced.
Linked defendant and adjournment
Prosecutor Paul Cleasby informed the court there was a linked defendant, Jordan Hopps, who has already made admissions in the matter and is facing sentence. The judge ordered that both men should be sentenced together. Hopps, aged 27 and from Craddock Street, Spennymoor, previously admitted supplying cocaine in Darlington on 27 December 2024 and 13 January 2025.
“No doubt, you came to court expecting to know your sentence but this very important case may affect your culpability and how much of a role you played in all of this when viewed next to somebody else who is allegedly involved.”
The comment in the quotation above was made by Recorder Simon Kealey KC at Hopps' earlier plea hearing at Teesside Crown Court. At that hearing the Recorder explained the need to assess each defendant's role before sentencing and adjourned the case to allow for preparation of reports and for the prosecution to consider other matters.
Sentencing timetable and custody
Criddle, who is 24 and of Stocksmoor Close, Darlington, was told by the judge that his guilty plea demonstrated “good sense” and this would be taken into account at sentence. He is due to appear back before the court with his co‑accused for sentencing at Teesside Crown Court on 27 August.
- Defendant: Jack Criddle, 24, Stocksmoor Close, Darlington — pleaded guilty to supplying a class A drug (17 January 2025)
- Co‑defendant: Jordan Hopps, 27, Craddock Street, Spennymoor — admitted supplying cocaine (27 December 2024 and 13 January 2025)
- Court: Sentencing scheduled at Teesside Crown Court on 27 August
| Person | Age | Allegation / Plea | Relevant dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Criddle | 24 | Pleaded guilty to supplying a class A drug | 17 January 2025 (plea) |
| Jordan Hopps | 27 | Admitted supplying cocaine | 27 December 2024 and 13 January 2025 |
The decision to pass sentence on the two defendants together reflects the court's intention to assess the relative culpability and roles of those involved before determining punishment. Criddle remains in custody pending the joint sentencing hearing; Hopps has been released on unconditional bail in advance of the same hearing.
The case underlines ongoing efforts by local and regional authorities to tackle supply of class A drugs in and around Darlington. The outcome on 27 August will determine the sentences imposed and is likely to be watched closely by those concerned about drug activity in the town.
