Gangster dubbed ‘Mr Nice’ jailed over involvement in global drug trafficking network
A MOBSTER who nicknamed himself “Mr. Nice” was given a lighter sentence in a massive drug conspiracy – after a judge was told he was a really nice guy.
34-year-old Tony Bennett ran a multi-million dollar import chain smuggling cocaine and heroin from Ecuador to Scotland.
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Cops caught him trying to buy a Skorpion machine gun worth up to £12,000 and he was jailed years ago for owning a shotgun.
But his attorney, John Scullion, claimed he had changed his ways and even received a reference from the prison chaplain.
Judge Olga Pasportnikov sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison at the High Court in Aberdeen.
However, there are fears he could be out in a matter of weeks as the term has been backdated to when he was first arrested in August 2021.
The beak said: “You were a high-level drug dealer. Worse still, you were involved in talks about getting a machine gun.
“I have said many times that drugs bring suffering to our communities at every level.
“You have a son who doesn’t know you because you spent his whole short life in prison.”
Bennett used encrypted Encrochat phones to send messages to a network of 60 Hoods around the world.
He used the nicknames “Mr. Nice” and “Kind Killer” and discussed buying a quantity of cocaine that could net a profit of £2.5million.
Bennett was stolen from his home in Cumbernauld after police officers cracked the encrypted messages and destroyed his network.
He was taken to Low Moss prison in East Dunbartonshire, where he is said to have been trying to reform himself.
Mr. Scullion revealed that prison chaplain Rev. McDonald spoke on behalf of the career criminal.
The lawyer said: “The prison chaplain who worked with the defendant during his pre-trial detention prepared a brief reference.
“He observed how a person took steps over a period of time to make lasting and meaningful changes in their lives.
“The Reverend McDonald confirms that in working with the defendant he has seen him grow and mature through his own efforts.”
The judge announced that Bennett was fined at age 18 for cocaine possession and sentenced to three years in prison at age 20 for possession of a shotgun.
When he was 23, he was jailed for another four months after being caught with a blade in a public place.
But Mr Scullion claimed it was a “traumatic experience” for his client to be sent away as a new father.
He said Bennett was running a marathon behind bars to raise money for a children’s hospital and had also competed in a triathlon.
The lawyer said the lag has also taken part in counseling courses and is a co-host of another support group.
He told the judge that Bennett has a long-term partner and that there are two children in the family and that he is committed to helping them have a better life.
Mr Scullion added: “He tells me the courses have had a positive impact on his relationship with his partner and family, who continue to support him.
“He is no longer driven by greed. But he works hard to help others wherever possible.
“He has become a model prisoner. He wants to make a positive contribution to society.”
Bennett now faces legal action to reclaim some of the money he made as a trader.
Sineidin Corrins, Deputy Treasury Attorney for Special Cases at the Crown Office and Treasury Attorney, said: “Tony Bennett was a key link in the chain of an international cartel which imported large quantities of Class A medicines into Scotland.
“These drugs would have done immense damage. But with that belief, we’ve taken these drugs off the streets and made communities safer.
“This successful prosecution strengthens our resolve to continue fighting serious organized crime.”
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