A Big Issue seller supplied drugs to an undercover policewoman in the belief that they were having a relationship, a court heard.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the officer “used her attractiveness and femaleness” to dupe Robert Bell to buy heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine on her behalf.

John Fitzgerald, defending, said Bell, 33, and the officer, known only as Sam, would kiss on meeting and parting, as well as hold hands and have lunch together.

“He says, and he maintains, that she preyed upon his vulnerability. She used her attractiveness and her femaleness knowing full well that Bell was attracted to her.

“He felt there was a real prospect of a relationship,“ added Mr Fitzgerald. “But that was all a smokescreen... He felt deceived and duped.”

Bell, of no fixed address, admitted five offences of supplying class A drugs in March and April.

The court heard he was arrested as part of Operation Curtail. The pair first met in Maidstone on March 7 this year and exchanged telephone numbers.

“Sam” then called him a week later and a deal for crack cocaine was arranged. Subsequent deals followed, in which Bell contacted various people and arranged the supply of heroin and cocaine.

Prosecutor Jane Scotchmer described Bell as a low-level retailer who acted as an intermediary.

Jailing Bell for three years, Judge Martin Joy told him that supplying heroin was a “degrading and destructive trade” and those responsible should be severely punished.

The case was originally listed for dismissal of charges on the grounds that “Sam” had used “inappropriate techniques” to entrap Bell.

However, Miss Scotchmer said the description of the relationship outlined by the defence was not accepted by the Crown.

The court also heard that despite more than 70 previous convictions, none were for supplying drugs, for possession with intent to supply, or even possession of class A drugs.

Bell, himself an addict for 15 years, supplied no one other than the female officer.