A DEALER who sold bags of heroin outside a drug rehabilitation centre has been jailed.

Shane Barrett, of Laverock Court, Taunton, also dealt other Class A drugs such as cocaine at various locations across town.

The 43-year-old even plied recovering addicts with hard substances outside Turning Point on Canon Street, Taunton Crown Court heard.

Barrett was jailed for four years on Monday (March 3) after admitting six counts of supplying Class A drugs.

Jailing him, Judge David Ticehurst said: “You are someone who is prepared to carry drugs from one person to another.

“They are Class A drugs which cause the most destruction to our society. You are the perfect illustration of the damage drugs cause to individuals.

“Turning Point is an organisation which exists to try and help people kick their addiction.”

Prosecuting, Caroline Bolt told how Barrett sold the drugs on a number of days in June last year, doing business outside the library and a few yards from his home in Chip Lane.

It was said he was caught out by undercover officers as part of Operation Cortez, who video recorded the dealings.

Defending, Harry Ahuja asked for credit for Barrett's early guilty plea and said: “He feels he is not in a position to comply with a drug rehabilitation requirement order.

“I hope your honour allows him time to reflect.”

Barrett was also ordered to pay £120 surcharge.

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NICHOLAS Milton, 47, of Cheddon Road, Taunton, was also caught out by Operation Cortez.

He admitted supplying Class A drugs, possession of Class A and possession of Class B and was at Taunton Crown Court on Monday.

Milton was given a two-year community order with drug rehabilitation requirement and ordered to pay £250 costs and £60 surcharge.