A drug dealer has been locked up for four years after being found guilty of supplying cocaine and heroin to street users in the Maidstone area.

Omar Minsende, 30, formerly of Queen Anne Road, Maidstone, used to run a county lines drug phone line called 'Danny' and was arrested by police in February this year.

Minsende appeared at Maidstone Crown Court this week for sentencing after he played a significant role in the street dealing operation, the court heard.

He had been on remand since his arrest and appeared at the court on Thursday via video link from HMP Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey for sentencing. Nov 4

He had been found guilty of two counts of supplying the Class A drugs at a trial at the same court which concluded on October 1.

He was also charged with possession with the intent to supply Class B drug cannabis.

Minsende had admitted the cannabis supply before his trial.

During sentencing, Jeffrey Israel, defending, told Judge Charles Gratwicke his client had a difficult childhood, had never met his father and his mother died last year aged 48, from Covid.

Mr Israel added: "He's accepted he's been a drug dealer and now wants to stop dealing and pursue a different and lawful path. He also has a level of remorse for his choices."

Minsende was also facing another charge of GBH with intent which involved the use of a dog but the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence on that charge at the court.

Judge Gratwicke jailed Minsende for four years for supplying the heroin and cocaine.

He also jailed him for nine months for the cannabis supplying, but that sentence will run concurrently.

"You were well aware of what was going on and assisted in the dealing..."

The judge added: "Class A drugs bring nothing but misery and degradation and ill health and those addicted to them turn to crime to feed their addiction and addicts lose their lives because of their addictions.

"You were well aware of what was going on and assisted in the dealing. I accept there was remorse."

Judge Gratwicke also ordered the drugs be destroyed.

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