Ricky was amongst a group of revellers who were enjoying their works' Christmas party at Valandro's in December 2007. Ricky had taken a shine to waitress Sarah Grimshaw who was serving at their table for the evening. Although she had told Ricky that she was married - even pointing husband Jason out to him - the pair continued with their friendly banter.
When Sarah commented that Ricky would need plenty of stamina to continue partying, he intimated that he had a supply of amphetamines in his pocket. Seeing the opportunity to set up her brother, David Platt, Sarah went over to Ricky's table and the pair headed outside where he sold her a bag of Ecstasy tablets.