A dealer began selling heroin and crack cocaine after he lost his job in Lidl and had to repay a debt after his wages were overpaid. Officers found the illegal substances at his home and more than £3,000 in cash.
A drugs warrant was executed at the home of Christopher Sullivan, 34, in Newport on August 24 when police forced entry into the property. They found the defendant and another inside and Sullivan confirmed he was the sole occupant.
A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Friday heard a search was carried out and packages were found containing white and brown powder. The substances were later tested and found to be 16.5g of heroin and 36.35g of crack cocaine. Also found were grip seal bags, weighing scales, a knuckle duster and £3,990 in cash.
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Prosecutor Matthew Comer said a black mobile phone was also found and when analysed it contained various messages in relation to the supply of class A drugs. In one message, the defendant said he was "active", which was believed to refer to him dealing.
Sullivan, of Coniston Close, was interviewed and gave a prepared statement in which he said he was selling drugs on behalf of someone, but was not willing to name them. He said he had done it for between a month and six weeks, having found himself in a low state "financially, mentally and emotionally" and felt like this was his "only way out".
The defendant later pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of criminal property. The court heard he had six previous convictions, including handling stolen goods.
In mitigation, Sol Hartley said his client became involved in drug dealing after losing his job in Lidl and was overpaid by £1,500. This affected his Universal Credit payments and he was later asked to repay the money. Finding himself having to repay the debt and with no income, he made an "extremely bad decision".
Sentencing, Recorder Mark Powell KC said: "Up and down this country, lots of people are in financial difficulty and do not resort to selling class A drugs. You did and must be punished."
Sullivan was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment. He will serve half the sentence in custody before he is released to serve the remainder on licence.
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