A young man from Darlington has been locked up for drug dealing which funded a lavish lifestyle - only three years after receiving an award from the king. 

Aidan Sayers, 23, was given an award by the Prince's Trust in March 2021 at a star-studded ceremony hosted by Ant and Dec and featuring appearances by celebrities including Dame Helen Mirren, Idris Elba and Holly Willoughby. He was 'presented' the award virtually, due to Covid restrictions.

Sayers was recognised for transforming his life from an unemployed teenager excluded from school to someone who had a home, car and a job. 

His story moved then-Prince Charles to tears at a second award ceremony at St James' Palace in London five months later, giving him the opportunity to meet the future King in person.

However, just a few short years later, the young man hailed by celebrities and Royalty is now serving a lengthy jail sentence and has been ordered to repay the proceeds of his ill-gotten gains.  

In August 2023, a parcel of drugs being shipped from the US to Aidan's home was intercepted by police, landing him with a six-year prison sentence, and an order to repay £250,000. 

Sayers receiving his award from The Prince's Trust in 2021. He was importing Class A and B drugs to an address in Darlington when police teams received intelligence about his illegal activities. 

He had been enjoying the high life - splashing the cash on Rolex watches, holidays to Thailand, oysters for dinner, and safari trips.

But the police said "it all came crashing down" when officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) executed a warrant at an address. 

(Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)Alongside teams at Durham Constabulary, they searched the address, on Chaldron Court,  and found huge amounts of drugs - including cocaine, MDMA, cannabis products and Psilocybin - more commonly known as ‘magic mushrooms.’

In addition to drugs, police found "several items indicating supply", which included padded envelopes, as well as empty packets bought in bulk, several sets of scales and a heat sealer.

Officers also seized about £38,000 in cash and high-value items such as Rolex watches.

Sayers in a club.  (Image: Durham Constabulary) The 23-year-old was taken into custody and later charged with importation of Class B drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and money laundering.

Sayers, of Darlington, admitted the offences and appeared at Teesside Crown Court in March, this year where he was sentenced to six years in prison.

A court order was also put in place on Tuesday (October 15) which instructed Sayers to pay back £250,000 which will help support frontline policing.

At the Prince's Trust event, Sayers, then aged 20, described school as “not for me” and later revealed his hopes of joining the army were dashed because of an allergy, but he enrolled on a Prince’s Trust Achieve course which gave him purpose and confidence.

While on stage, Sayers, who won the Educational Achiever Award, said: “Without the Prince’s Trust I would probably be on the streets, because of what the Prince’s Trust has done, what all you lovely people have done, I’m stood here today and I can’t thank you enough.”

Sayers on safari, before his arrest.  (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Following the order for Sayers to repay £250,000, PC Michael Hanratty, from the NEROCU Disruption Team, said: “This investigation and subsequent sentence reaffirms our zero-tolerance approach to drugs across the county and our commitment to rooting out criminality within our communities.

“Drug supply often funds other areas of organised crime such as child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, modern slavery and illegal gun importation so tackling drug crime is vital.

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“Drugs and those looking to profit from these illicit activities have no place in our communities and those involved should expect an early wake-up call from us soon.

“We urge anyone who has information of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and report it.”

If you have any information about suspected criminality, you can report it to your local police or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by visiting their website or calling 0800 555 111.