by Keith Hunt

A drug dealer received a lenient jail sentence after a judge said he was impressed with the efforts made to beat addiction.

Mr Justice Saunders apologised to John Wilde for not being able to keep him out of prison, but added the term would be a great deal shorter than he could have expected.

Wilde, he said, could have been put behind bars for up to four years, but the sentence would be two years.

“I don’t know if you regard that as merciful or not, but believe me it is compared with some sentences passed,” said the judge.

Wilde admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply and possessing drugs.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 22-year-old construction worker was a street dealer in Class A drugs.

Police went to a flat in Quarry Close, Gravesend, on May 8 last year after reports of a strong smell of cannabis in the communal corridor.

Wilde was stopped as he left and admitted having cocaine for personal use.

His home in Parrock Street was searched and more drugs, including over 23 grammes of cocaine worth up to £8,000, were found.

Tom Allen, defending, said Wilde used cocaine in bars in the town and became addicted.

“It is an all too familiar tale that he got into debt with his supplier,” said Mr Allen.

” i am afraid i cannot keep you out of prison. it is just impossible...” – mr justice saunders

“He was prevailed upon to become a bottom level retailer. Things clearly got out of control.”

Mr Justice Saunders said Wilde had done well on a drugs rehabilitation course and made “enormous efforts” to get off cocaine.

“He has gone a long way down the line of breaking this awful habit which would lead to his downfall if he continued to take it,” he continued.

“That, in my judgement, is substantial mitigation. The course of events that have been taken allow me to take a much more merciful course.”

The judge told Wilde: “I am afraid I cannot keep you out of prison. It is just impossible.

“People have to understand however they get into it, whether addicts seeking to feed their habit or whatever the case is, they cannot start selling cocaine on the street.

“It causes havoc in society and people have to know they will go to prison.”

He added: “This is an entirely exceptional case. Just don’t go back to drugs whatever you do.”