A NEW father just weeks out of jail has been sent back behind bars for his part in supplying heroin.

Mohammed Hussain, 35, of Devon Place in Newport, pleaded guilty to concerns in the supply of heroin after being arrested in a raid in October 2017, less than three weeks after being released from jail.

The raid found £3,500 in cash hidden in the flat he shared with his 16-month-old daughter and partner. A diary and mobile phone linked him with a recently dismantled drug gang.

Newport Crown Court heard the arrest was linked to Operation Wheel, which targeted drug supply in Potters Street, Pill, Newport.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe explained: “This defendant was providing an outlet to launder money.

“This defendant was connected by records and contacts on his mobile, found in his bedroom.

“The phone was found under a pillow on the bed, and the cash and a list of names and contacts in a diary liked the defendant to the group. There was significant overlap with the earlier operation.”

In mitigation, Karl Williams told the court that at the time of the offending his client, who has 29 convictions for 54 separate offences, was struggling without employment.

“But he has now stabilised his life with his family situation and his partner,” added Mr Williams.

“They are expecting another child. In short he has rebuilt his life. He is working at a cleaning company owned by his father, who wants to pass the business on to him.”

But, sentencing Hussain to nine months behind bars, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said: “Local drug deals had quite literally taken over that area of the city and had used it for the specific purpose of open drug dealing on the streets,” said Judge Jenkins.

“You have been in custody time and time again. You simply refuse to learn your lesson and learn by your mistakes. Only an immediate custodial sentence is justified for this offence.”