THREE drug addicts who were involved in dealing heroin in Faversham were jailed for a total of 11 years today Friday.

Matthew Newin, who was said to be higher up the chain of supply than his two co-defendants, was sentenced to four years and three months.

Wayne Myers, who had a previous conviction for supplying drugs to undercover police officers, was jailed for three years and nine months, while John Crittenden was sentenced to three years.

Judge Jeremy Carey told the trio that their sentences were as much a deterrent to others as they were a punishment to them.

"Those who deal in heroin deal in drugs that can, and do, frequently kill. It is for that reason that the court is bound to impose a substantial prison sentence, not so much as punishment but as a deterrent to others.

"If you deal in these drugs you will go to prison for a very long time. It is as simple as that."

Newin, 22, of South Avenue, Sittingbourne, admitted two charges of supplying heroin on September 5 and 6 last year.

Myers, 31, of St. Nicholas Road, Faversham, admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply on September 5, and Crittenden, 30, of Springhead Road, Faversham, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply on September 6.

The court heard Newin was "in business" supplying drugs and Myers and Crittenden were his runners.

All three men are now drug free after spending time on remand.