Drug supplier caught in sting’

AN Ely man who supplied heroin to an undercover police officer working in a sting operation aimed at targeting drugs crime in the city has been given a four-month suspended jail sentence. The police officer was sitting on a bench outside the Highflyer

AN Ely man who supplied heroin to an undercover police officer working in a "sting" operation aimed at targeting drugs crime in the city has been given a four-month suspended jail sentence.

The police officer was sitting on a bench outside the Highflyer Hotel when Patrick O'Donnell told him he knew where to "score" some heroin.

O'Donnell then took the officer - code named Steve - to an address in High Barns, where he handed over a £10 note and received a wrap of heroin for the officer.

At an earlier court hearing, 26-year-old O'Donnell, of New Barns Avenue, Ely, admitted supplying the drug on October 19.

Solicitor Michael Judkins said O'Donnell was not a prime mover in the recent drug problems within Ely.

He claimed the officer had asked for "gear", saying he was ill and needed the drug, so O'Donnell decided to help him out and take him to an address where it could be bought.

"The officer was persistent and plausible," he said. "It was a favour for someone he felt had a genuine need. It was an indirect supply, and cannot be equated with someone who normally deals in drugs."

O'Donnell had previously had a heroin problem, but became stable and got a job, he said. At the time of the offence he had a prescription for the heroin substitute methadone, and it was his drinking that needed curbing.

During the next 18-months O'Donnell must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and will be supervised by the probation service. He must pay £100 costs.