Southsea drug addict who dealt heroin and crack cocaine to fund habit is locked up for three years
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Lorne Martin, 54, was busted by police after suspicions were aroused as officers carried out a foot patrol in Elm Grove, Southsea, on March 21, 2019, when they saw a ‘hand exchange’.
Police then searched Martin’s address before discovering 20 wraps of Class A drugs heroin and crack cocaine, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.
The total value of the drugs was said to be £230.
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Hide AdDuring police interview Martin claimed the drugs were for ‘personal use’.
He later admitted two charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.
The court heard Martin had 25 convictions for 64 offences which dated back to 1990.
Rob Harding, defending, said Martin ‘lived a sorrowful life’ and dealt drugs to ‘feed his own habit’.
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Hide AdJudge recorder Jonathan Swift said: ‘You have been involved in the unlawful use of drugs for a very long time involving you selling to other users.
‘I cannot identify any personal mitigation. Your guilty plea at the start of the trial was no doubt tactical to avoid a more serious punishment.’
The recorder said he could not justify a suspended sentence or rehabilitation order for the offences before locking up Martin, of Beach Road, Southsea.
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Martin, less than impressed with being handed jail for the next three years shouted out - prompting recorder Swift to respond: ‘Out.’
Martin was then taken down to begin his term behind bars.