Man sentenced for drug offences and violent assault in Cheetham Hill

A man has been sentenced following two investigations into drug supply and a violent assault in Cheetham Hill.

Joshua Lee (24/07/1994) of no fixed abode, was charged with one count of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and one count of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis) and a violent assault. He pleaded guilty to the drug offences and was found guilty of assault and affray following a trial.

Lee was sentenced to six years in prison at Manchester Crown Square Court yesterday (Thursday 23 October 2025).

In the first investigation, Lee was convicted of assault and affray following a violent attack on a man waiting for a taxi on Cheetham Hill Road in November 2022.

Lee, armed with a machete, threatened the victim, who was punched, kicked, and sustained multiple injuries including bruising and abrasions.

Video footage captured during the attack and further evidence recovered from Lee’s mobile phone was instrumental in securing the conviction.

In a separate incident, Lee was identified as a key figure in the supply of class A drugs in the Bury and Radcliffe areas.

Officers uncovered evidence linking Lee to the JNR drug line, which had sent over 21,000 messages advertising the sale of crack cocaine and heroin between April and November 2024.

Lee was arrested at an address on Kestrel Drive where officers recovered drugs with a street value of approximately £400 along with mobile phones used to facilitate the supply.

Detective Constable Bryan Deighton, of our Bury Challenger Unit, said: “Joshua Lee played a significant role in the supply of harmful drugs in our communities and showed a blatant disregard for public safety through his violent behaviour.

“Lee gave no comment interviews in both investigations and showed no remorse for his actions.

“This sentencing reflects the seriousness of his actions and the commitment of GMP to tackling both drug crime and violence that blights our communities.

“Programme Challenger is GMP’s response to tackling serious and organised crime. It tackles all manner of serious crime: county lines, exploitation of young children and vulnerable adults, modern slavery, immigration and economic crime and the use of firearms.

“Our Challenger teams across Greater Manchester are committed to tackling drug supply and we will act upon any concerns or information the community give to us to tackle serious and organised crime for good.

“If you are concerned about criminal activity within your area, you can report this to us directly on 101 or by reporting information using our online report tool at www.gmp.police.uk”