A judge accepted that a "much-loved" Easton man, held in high esteem by his family, had contended with trauma in his life. But she had to deal with him after his fourth drugs conviction and jailed him for five years and six months.
Rudolph Garnett turned to drugs after being plagued by family bereavement and illness, Bristol Crown Court heard. He was then caught with Class A drugs and as a "fourth strike" offender he risked a minimum seven year prison sentence.
The 33-year-old, of Lena Street, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to supply cocaine and diamorphine. He also admitted possessing cannabis.
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Judge Moira Macmillan told him: "You are a 33-year-old man who I have to sentence for very serious offences. In some senses there are two people before the court today.
"One is a kind, intelligent, family man described as good, caring and loyal. You are much-loved by your family and much relied upon."
Caighli Taylor, prosecuting, said police detained Garnett in Fishponds and found him with wraps of heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine as well as cannabis flowering head and £2,160. A search of his address uncovered more packages of heroin and cocaine, as well as weighing scales, food wrap and £2,560.22.
In total Garnett was found to have drugs with a street value of £15,000 and cash totalling £4,720.22. He made no comment when interviewed and asked for a previous possession of cannabis with intent to supply to be considered.
Chloe Griggs, defending, said there were exceptional circumstances in the case. She said her client had had an extremely hard start in life who turned to drugs for escapism.
The court heard after a relationship split Garnett turned to drugs and was jailed, but suffered the bereavement of a child as well as the significant illness of his mother and the loss of his uncle who had been a father figure to him.
Miss Griggs told the court: "He had to endure a unique combination of trauma and tragic circumstances. He had no chance of resisting the temptation of drug use. He was never a commercial level dealer."
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