Gilligan gangster Peter 'Fatso' Mitchell jailed for ten years for cocaine trafficking in UK

'Fatso' Mitchell was yesterday locked up for 10 years for flooding the streets of Wales with drugs.

The 51-year-old is one of the most notorious criminals in Ireland's gangland history and was a key figure in mobster John Gilligan's drugs mob.

He fled Ireland following the savage murder of crime reporter Veronica Guerin in 1996 as gardai closed in on the violent gang.

After leaving the country, Mitchell relocated to the Costa Del Sol where he continued to be involved in international drug trafficking.

He established himself as a major drug supplier operating out of a luxury villa in Puerto Banus.

But now, the law has finally caught up with Mitchell after he was arrested as part of an investigation into a UK drugs gang.

Mitchell, with an address in Bradford, was part of a mob locked up for more than 30 years following an investigation into an organised crime conspiracy in South Wales.

Speaking to the South Wales Argus following his conviction, South Wales Police said they were aware of Mitchell's sinister criminal past.

“There had been previous press interest spanning a number of years on Peter ‘Fatso’ Mitchell as he was a former lieutenant of jailed drug baron John Gilligan.

“He was born in Dublin but fled Ireland in 1996 amid the unprecedented Garda crackdown following the assassination of journalist Veronica Guerin."

Co-defendants James Gallagher (36) and Nathan Webber (28) both from Swansea, were also jailed for 10 years.

Terrence Mills (60) from Garston, Liverpool, was sent to prison for four years and 10 months.

After their sentencing hearing, a police spokesperson said: “On July 7, 2020, Peter Mitchell was stopped whilst driving from Bradford to South Wales.

“Located on the rear seats of the car, in a package of nappies, was 3kg of cocaine with a wholesale value of between £109,500 to £133,500.”

Ieuan Rees, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court how the police investigation linked Mitchell with 7kg of cocaine being supplied to Gallagher and in return at least £254,000 was handed to Mitchell.

When arrested, Gallagher’s home address was searched and in his attic a suitcase was found which contained £100,590.

Gallagher was working in partnership with Webber.

The investigation identified that Webber would source cocaine from a supplier in Liverpool and that he and Gallagher would try and get the best price from their independent suppliers and share the saving for their respective drug dealing operations.

“They have been brazen and believed the use of such devices ensured they were beyond the reach of the law.

“Our investigators have worked tirelessly, and continue to utilise all opportunities available, to investigate these offences and successfully prosecute those involved.”