EncroChat handle 'linked to Jamie Rothwell' said 'I'm a like a ghost bro', trial hears as 'Massey' and 'stitch up' messages read

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

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.

A message sent on the encrypted system, a court heard, read: "Stitch up really, media trial, no evidence, it's b******s really, just a few women shot." 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. READ MORE: Ex-special constable taken on by GMP as PC - despite being on barred list 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.