A DRUG dealer avoided jail for peddling heroin on the streets of Basildon.

Ade Bakinson, of Glenmere, in Vange, received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court.

The court heard on January 20 last year police spotted Bakinson acting suspiciously in London Road, Basildon.

Bakinson ran off, but was caught by police.

During a struggle, he tried to swallow three packets of heroin diamorphine weighing a total of 0.4g.

Police recovered the drug, along with a mobile phone that was being used to make pick-ups and collections of the drug, as well as £503 in cash.

The court heard the 22- year-old, who has a twoyear- old son, had been addicted to smoking heroin mixed with cannabis for about three years.

He had been selling drugs to feed his own habit, but was now trying to address it.

The court was told his family, who live in Vange, had not wanted anything to do with him while he was addicted.

However, his mum was now willing to have him back in the house.

Bakinson admitted at an earlier hearing one count of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Bakinson was placed under the supervision of the probation service.

He was also ordered to attend the Thinking Skills Programme and a 16-month drug rehabilitation course.

Sentencing him, Judge Ian Graham said: “Drug dealing is a very serious social problem and those who deal in class A drugs can expect to go to prison.

“However, I am told that you havemade efforts while in custody to engage with your drug problems and you are at a stage where you are ready to rebuild your life.

“I am willing to suspend your sentence.”