Hanley father of seven Jeffrey Forrester jailed for dealing heroin

FATHER-OF-SEVEN Jeffrey Forrester has been jailed for the third time for dealing drugs.

Forrester, of St Ann Walk in Hanley, was handed a five-year prison sentence after being caught with more than a dozen wraps of heroin.

Yesterday, the 54-year-old appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after admitting possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

The court heard that Forrester, who has been a heroin user for roughly 30 years, was spotted by police in Bucknall New Road, Hanley, on November 20.

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Paul Spratt, prosecuting, said: "The officers saw him and also noted a parked motor vehicle with two females inside. Both of them said they were waiting to pick up their children from school.

"As he approached, the defendant was seen to have something in his left hand, which he had clenched."

Officers saw Forrester throw three wraps of heroin away before arresting him.

A subsequent search revealed the defendant had a further 15 wraps of the drug along with £70 in cash.

The court estimated the street value of the wraps to be £10 each.

It was also revealed that Forrester had two previous convictions for possession with intent to supply.

In 2000 he was handed a five-year-sentence before being hit with a four-year term for an offence in 2004.

Peter McCartney, defending, told the court that Forrester had struggled to overcome a long-term heroin addiction.

He said: "He's had a heroin habit for 30 years and it is hard for a man with a habit for that long to stop taking it.

"He comes out of prison and tries to stay off heroin but gravitates to the same friends and that gravitates to taking heroin. It's a vicious circle which he has struggled to break and he hopes to break it after this sentence.

"He has seven children and is in contact with them all and recognises that taking and dealing heroin is not setting a good example.

"With his brother he is also a carer for his father, who is in his 80s.

"He's also been in a relationship for four years.

Judge Granville Styler said: "Drugs have ruined your life as you know.

"People like you who continue to deal after being in prison have to realise that the time comes where the court must try to protect those who are tempted to buy drugs."