A “FAMILY man” who was caught dealing heroin on the streets of Newport is starting another lengthy jail sentence.

Serial drug trafficker Jabber Hussain, 40, has spent much of his adult life behind bars, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

His latest conviction was his fourth for the possession of drugs with intent to supply.

William Bebb, prosecuting, said Hussain swallowed some wraps of heroin after he was spotted by police of Caerleon Road on August 8.

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Hussain, of St Julian’s Avenue, Newport, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to supply.

The court was told how the defendant had been jailed in 2006, 2009 and 2014 for trafficking drugs.

Ieuan Bennett, representing Hussain, said his client was a “family man” who has been addicted heroin for much of his adult life.

He told the court: “He has been in trouble with the police repeatedly as a result of that.”

Speaking of his latest offences, Mr Bennett added of Hussain: “He wasn’t living a lavish lifestyle. He was living a sad life.

“The defendant ended up selling to a small number of pre-existing users to sell them heroin to pay for his own habit.

“He made no profit. He was living a miserable existence. He told police he sold to 10 people, but he only had seven contacts in his phone.”

Judge Daniel Williams told Hussain: “On August 9, police saw you on Caerleon Road in Newport dealing heroin on the streets. You swallowed some wraps.

“Officers found nine wraps of heroin when they searched your home.

“You are not remorseful for dealing this terrible drug.”

The defendant was jailed for 2,045 days and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge upon his release from prison.

Speaking outside the court, PC Adam Griffiths, officer in the case, said: “I welcome the sentence imposed on Hussain, which I hope sends a clear message to those involved in the supply of illegal drugs that we will not tolerate drug dealing in our communities.

"We will proactively pursue those involved in drug supply and protect vulnerable members of society from those who exploit them for financial gain.   

“I would encourage anyone with information about drug dealing to contact us so we can take action.

"You can do so by calling us on 101 or reporting information via direct message on social media.

"Anyone can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”