Serial dealer given seven years' prison

SERIAL heroin user and supplier Shaun Bell has been sent to prison for a mandatory seven year jail term.

The minimum sentence was triggered because he had three previous convictions for similar offences.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard police raided the 42-year-old's flat in Albert Street, Newcastle, in March last year.

Prosecutor Stuart Clarkson said yesterday the drugs were found after a strip search.

A silver wrap containing a small amount of heroin was also found on a bedside table.

Bell pleaded guilty to possession of a class-A drug with intent to supply and simple possession of the drug. The value of the heroin was about £90.

Police also executed a search warrant at a flat in Dove Place, Clayton, on the same day.

Sarah Dykes, aged 19, and Karl Peers, aged 34, who live at the address, were inside.

A small amount of heroin was found. Both pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to supply. Peers also pleaded guilty to two charges of simple possession of the class-A drug. Dykes and Peers received two-year community orders with supervision and drug rehabilitation.