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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Geoffrey Bennett

Man caught operating a Class A drug phone order service

A man involved in a Class A drug order service near Bristol has been jailed. Aaron Francis advertised sales, took orders and directed runners to make drops, Bristol Crown Court heard.

The 28-year-old, of Blakeney Road in Bristol, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. The offences spanned September and October last year, the court heard.

Judge William Hart jailed him for four years and three months. The judge, who found Francis played a significant role in the operation, told him: "You know that I have to impose a significant custodial sentence today, the only question is one of length."

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Emily Evans, prosecuting, said police acting on information raided a property in Windemere Avenue, Weston-super-Mare, arrested Francis and found cash, scales and drugs. Analysis of a phone linked to Francis showed evidence of drug dealing, though he initially denied all knowledge.

Catherine Spedding, defending, said her client was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) aged five and had a troubled education. She said that, after a jail term, he became homeless, had nowhere firm to stay and fell in with people who he thought were friends but who did not have his best interests at heart.

Miss Spedding said: "He took on a phone for them in this operation. Other people were directing what was happening. He didn't receive anything other than minimal financial reward and cannabis."

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