Drug runner jailed

A MAN who sold heroin to an undercover police officer in the town has been jailed for 20 months by a judge at the Ipswich Crown Court.

Ricky Ballantyne, 46, of Dandalan Close, Ipswich, admitted five offences of supplying heroin worth a total of �130 between August 3 and August 16 this year.

Roger Thomson, for Ballantyne, said his client had been homeless at the time of the offences.

He said Ballantyne had been dealing in drugs to feed his own habit.

Mr Thomson said although Ballantyne had previous convictions he had kept out of trouble for 15 years between 1990 and 2005 when he was working and was in a relationship.

He said Ballantyne was determined not to re-offend again when he was released from prison.

Meanwhile a drug dealer who supplied a wrap of cocaine to an undercover police officer has been locked up for 12 months.

Keith Parchment, 50, of The Mill, Ipswich, admitted supplying cocaine to the officer on July 25 this year in a churchyard in the town centre.

Robert Sadd, prosecuting at Ipswich Crown Court, said the single wrap of cocaine was valued at �30.

Roger Thomson, for Parchment, said his client had a drug habit for a number of years and had been using heroin once or twice a week.

He said Parchment had managed to get himself clear of drugs and was now having counselling.