'I'm like a ghost, bro' EncroChat user said

JURY IS TOLD ACCUSED IN DRUG AND GUNS TRIAL SENT MESSAGE 'IN HIDING'

- AMY WALKER

AN EncroChat handle said to be linked to Jamie Rothwell – accused of being involved in a large-scale drug and guns operation – told an associate ‘I’m like a ghost bro’ while he was ‘in hiding’, a jury has heard.

The user ‘Live-long’, alleged to have been connected to Mr Rothwell, was discussing matters in north west that were subject to a police investigation, jurors heard. The name ‘Massey’ was referenced during another conversation, prosecutors said.

The handle said to be linked to 37-year-old Mr Rothwell claimed he and a business partner were ‘wanted in Dam’ and Spain, jurors have been told.

Mr Rothwell and four other men have gone on trial accused of being involved in narcotics on an ‘industrial scale’ and firearms.

Mr Rothwell, 37; James Close, 40; Craig Makinson, 49; Callum Morris, 32 and Terrence McDonagh, 33, deny all the charges they face.