A SUFFOLK drug addict is today starting a three-year jail sentence after admiting dealing heroin.

A SUFFOLK drug addict is today starting a three-year jail sentence after admiting dealing heroin.

Nigel Plant's house at Heath Walk, Blaxhall was searched on March 11 this year, Ipswich Crown Court heard, and during the raid Plant returned home with a black plastic bag. It contained 77.3 grams of heroin at 51per cent purity.

Plant, 43, told police he had been a heavy heroin user for 20 years and had bought the drugs in bulk to keep costs down. He admitted that he intended to sell some of the drugs to other users on an “ad-hoc basis” to help fund his own addiction.

Ian Pells, prosecuting, said a small amount of another drug - this time Class C - was also found at the address. He said Plant had previous convictions for possessing and dealing drugs dating back to 1983.

Plant pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply and to possessing the Class C drug.

Jude Durr, mitigating, said Plant came from a “decent family”.

He said: “He grew up in a thoroughly well adjusted household, in a warm family environment. He did well at Leiston High School and then obtained an Arts Degree.

“Tragically he became involved in drugs on a recreational basis and was convicted of possessing amphetamine with intent to supply in 1987.”

Mr Durr said his release from prison on that occasion “triggered” his use of heroin.

He added: “That addiction has blighted his adult life but on his release he will have the security and employment by his family.”

He said Plant would be supported by his 76-year-old mother, his father who owns Eclipse windows, and his two sisters, one of whom works at Thorpeness Golf Club.

Judge Neil McKittrick said: “Although you have the support of your loving family they must be absolutely heartbroken to see you here again. But it has to be custody and not a short sentence.”

The court heard that Plant had already served 120 days of his sentence on remand.