A TEENAGE heroin dealer was locked up after a member of the public tipped off police.

Connor Jenkins, 19, of Caerleon Road was seen by police officers at the junction of Caerleon Road and York Road at 11.30am on September 20 this year after a member of the public contacted the police with concerns.

Newport Crown Court heard that when he saw the officers, the defendant made off from the location on his pushbike and police gave chase over a short distance.

Just before he was caught, officers saw him discard something which was found to be heroin.

When they searched his home, they found around 24 grammes of heroin in total, estimated by police to be worth £2,500 although the defendant was surprised by this figure, saying that he believed it to be closer to £700.

He gave various accounts in interview, saying he had been forced into doing the dealing and that threats were made against his family and he did not gain any financial benefit from the crime.

Police were sceptical of his account, considering high-value items found in his room.

Caroline Rees, defending, said: “This is a 19-year-old defendant who is admitting to a serious case of dealing heroin.

“He has an expensive cannabis habit which is costing him all the money he receives.

“He clearly was under the influence of those more sophisticated in these matters.

“He comes pretty close to the bottom of any drugs chain.

Judge Daniel Williams: “You have pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying heroin on the 19th and 20th of September and on the 20th of September to possessing heroin with intent to supply.

“I’m sure you understand that those who deal in this terrible drug serve substantial sentences of imprisonment.”

Jenkins was sentenced to two years and eight months in a young offenders' institution for each count, to run concurrently.