Heroin dealer described as "walking, talking example of the perils of drug misuse" is jailed
A heroin dealer described as a "walking, talking example of the perils of drug misuse" has been put behind bars.
Police seized 22.4g of the class A drug, worth up to £1,120, when they raided Andrew McCreedy's home in March 2023.
Prosecutor Glen Gatland told Newcastle Crown Court McCreedy's mobile was also taken by officers and added: "It was downloaded and the download showed that the defendant used the phone to arrange the supply of controlled drugs.
"This included numerous bulk messages sent to contacts, advertising his availability to supply controlled drugs."
Mr Gatland said the heroin was capable of being broken down into a large number of small deals, that normally cost £10 on the streets.
McCreedy, who was paid £1,200 per month in benefits, claimed the drug stash was to feed him £200 per day habit.
He said the scales found at his home was to weigh out deals for himself.
The 39-year-old, of Northumbrian Way, North Shields, North Tyneside, admitted possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of heroin.
Mark Harrison, defending, said McCreedy has been "chronically addicted to heroin" and added: "The defendant acknowledges that, sooner or later, drugs will kill him.
"He is a walking, talking example of the perils of drug misuse."
The court heard McCreedy has engaged with rehabilitation services and has some motivation to change.
Mr Recorder Pritchard jailed McCreedy for 48 months.