A drug dealer who was arrested in one county and then offended again in another has been jailed for three years.

Dennis Barrette was told by a judge: “Drug addiction is a cancer in our community. It leaves with it misery, degradation and untimely death.

“You know there are profits to be made in what seems to be a recession-proof criminal activity.”

Barette admitted two charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that police on January 16 last year followed a car in which 22-year-old Barette was a passenger.

After the car stopped in Greenwich Close, Maidstone, the driver got out and approached some parked cars. Officers moved in and arrested both men.

When searched, Barette produced a bag from his groin containing packages of heroin totalling 8.74g and others containing cocaine.

Anne Phillips, prosecuting, said Barrette was released on bail. Just over two months later he was caught with herbal cannabis, heroin and cocaine in Milton Keynes.

Barrette was in September 2004 sentenced to five years youth custody for robbery. He was released in July 2007.

Archangelo Power, defending, said Barrette, had spent most of his tender years in custody.

“He has fallen into the wrong company,” he said. “He is the victim of his own stupidity. He has had to do a lot of growing up.”

Judge Philip Statman told Barrette: “What you have to understand is this type of offence is prevalent. I am satisfied you fall somewhere between a social supplier and someone who has the nouse to operate at a retail level on the street.

“You are not a big dealer with the trappings of wealth. You were an important cog in the supply and prepared to travel in order to deal drugs.”

The judge ordered that Barrette, of Ilford, Essex, should first serve six months of the term remaining from his previous sentence.