A Tunbridge Wells man became a crack cocaine and heroin dealer to pay off his girlfriend’s drugs debt, a court heard this week.

Joel Osei, arrived in the town from London and started dealing crack cocaine and heroin but has now been locked up for the crimes.

Osei, 21, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court to be sentenced after previously admitting being concerned in the supply of heroin, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possess with the intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin.

He also admitted being in possession of criminal property, namely £670 in cash, the court heard he had earned during the two days he was dealing in the town.

Trevor Wright prosecuting told the court police had been keeping an address under surveillance in Showfields Road and Osei was arrested there and 13.9 grams of heroin and 9.9 grams of crack cocaine was found along with scales and the cash.

Mr Wright added: “It was street dealing in an alleyway was how it started.

“Osei was found with wraps and details of dealing were found in a general advertising text sent to people saying ‘I’m here’.”

The court also heard Osei, formerly of Old Church Road, Chinford, London, pleaded guilty to the offences back in February.

Mr Wright added: “He came from London with £2,000 worth of drugs and set up a trade with a list of others.”

The court also heard others had also been arrested for drug offences and had been dealt with by the courts.

Judge Jeremy Carey also heard Osei had three previous convictions for possession of cannabis and a conviction for a minor violence offence.

John Fitzpatrick defending said: “He was not a drug dealer until he was involved in these two days.

“His girlfriend had been selling drugs and was found with a considerable amount. He took on his partner’s debt and was homeless at the time.

“Mrs Osei (his mum) had lost patience with him, he was fairly vulnerable and was exploited by a far wiser criminal mind than his.”

Mr Carey said: “You knew there was a ready market and you contacted users in Tunbridge Wells.

“You made a choice to deal and make money and it didn’t pay off.”

Osei was locked up in a young offenders institution for 30 months.