A drug deal broker and gang debt collector was paid a wage of up to £5,000 a month and splashed out on a Rolex watch on his birthday.
Gerrard Myler was identified as being the EncroChat user behind the handle DiorFox after sending pictures of his wife and children to co-conspirators.
Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Monday, that messages on the encrypted communications platform evidenced the 32-year-old involvement in the supply of at least 4kg of cocaine and 3kg of cannabis. These referenced a monthly salary of between £4,000 and £5,000 from fellow user DealPup, a stash house, a vehicle which had a hide to conceal drugs when transported and purchasing property to launder money.
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Ben Jones, prosecuting, said that the "broker and middle man" was identified as DiorFox after treating himself to a Rolex on his birthday and sending pictures of his partner, children and back garden to the handle LemonLager - the user with which he most closely associated. Myler's other "rewards" included expensive cars and furniture.
He was in communication with seven other devices in total, including OneBread, DealIn and BossBuilder. A message to the latter in June 2020, by which time the police had infiltrated EncroChat and a series of raids were being carried out, read: "Plod have been listening to everyone, wonder how they knew exactly where the bits were?"
Another said: "Rats only come for you when they know you're busy. Always your downfall isn't it?"
On text from DealPup showed his involvement in collecting monies owed, stating: "Can you get down here? A few quid wants grabbing off a kid."
Myler, of Knowsley Lane in Huyton, has no previous convictions. The dad-of-two previously worked as an engineer for firms including Glen Dimplex and J Murphy and Sons.
Anthony Rose, defending, said: "He is devastated, and his young family will pay the price - he is very upset and very remorseful. He is a man of good character and has worked hard all of his life."
Myler, who appeared via video link to HMP Altcourse, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He was jailed for eight years and three months this afternoon.
Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: "You must have been expecting a significant financial advantage as your commission for carrying out that role. In addition, there some was some debt collecting, for which you were paid a significant wage.
"You have, in the past, worked hard as an engineer. References speak highly of you and of the upset and suffering you and your family will feel as a result of your separation."
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