A HEROIN addict who dealt in drugs on the streets of Newport was jailed for four years and three months.

Wesley Steel had been "steeped in the degradation caused by drug abuse," said Judge Stephen Hopkins at Cardiff crown court.

Steel, of Heron Way, Duffryn, Newport, had already pleaded guilty before city magistrates to possessing heroin with intent to supply, possessing heroin, causing criminal damage and possessing a lock knife, and had been committed to the crown court for sentence.

Prosecutor Mike Hammett said that on June 1 Steel went into Luxtons Stores, Pill, with a woman. Both were drunk, became abusive and refused to leave. They were pushed out, after which Steel picked up a metal advertising board and smashed the door, causing £200-worth of damage.

He was arrested and bailed, but was seen later in Newport passing something to a man.

He was arrested and six wraps of heroin were found on him.

Steel was bailed again, but on the morning of July 27 the police went to his girlfriend's flat in Darent Walk, Bettws, and saw Steel leaving. He was searched and found to have a lock knife and a small amount of heroin he said was for personal use.

His counsel, Mary Parry-Evans, said: "He is a casualty of his own lifestyle, a heroin addict surviving by selling the Big Issue. His girlfriend has a drink problem and recently lost a baby.

"He has no stability and lives from hand to mouth. He has been robbed and attacked and represents a social problem."