Drugs accused is 'victim of envy'

Lawyers defending a man accused of running a heroin and cocaine ring in Nottinghamshire say he is a victim of the "politics of envy".

Gary Hardy, 45, from The Copse, Mansfield, denies conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering offences.

His brother Paul Hardy, 48, and mother, June Muers, 67, both from Kirkby-in-Ashfield also deny conspiracy to supply drugs.

Trevor Burke, defending, said Gary Hardy was a legitimate businessman.

'Red Ferrari'

Opening the defence at Nottingham Crown Court, Mr Burke said Mr Hardy was a "flamboyant, successful" property businessman, who is a victim of the "politics of envy".

He said his client was in the dock because people were jealous of his success.

"The moral is, don't drive around Kirkby-in-Ashfield in a red Ferrari if you don't want the police all over you."

Carl Busby, 46, from Clipstone, and described by the prosecution as Gary Hardy's cashier, is facing money laundering charges with Mr Hardy.

Paul Hardy's former partner Zoe Chapman, 29, of Rich Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield also denies conspiracy to supply drugs.

On 4 January 2007, the day all five defendants were arrested, police seized drugs with a street value of almost £70,000 and more than £16,000 in cash from June Muers' home.

The case continues.