A grandad became a crack dealer because he couldn't survive on his pension, a court heard yesterday.
White-haired David Hartley delivered the drug from a supplier to street dealers because he was worried about paying his TV licence and water bill, it was claimed.
The 65-year-old middleman admitted having crack cocaine with intent to supply and was jailed for four and a half years.
He was caught when police stopped his car and smelled cannabis. In his pocket were 50 grams of crack cocaine.
Julian Kesner, prosecuting, said: "He was refreshingly candid. He said 'Yes, this is crack. I can't survive on my pension. I am just delivering it for other people. There is more in my landing cupboard'."
Hartley had drugs worth a total of £8,400, said Mr Kesner.
He said: "He would not name the man he was working for. He said he got £200 for dropoffs and pick-ups. His mobile and fuel were paid for."
Andrew Hobson, defending, said Hartley, from Gloucester, was jailed for nine years in 2002 for importing drugs from Jamaica which he had claimed were planted. Mr Hobson added: "He does not fit the profile of a person involved in the supply of class A drugs. He is 65 and has three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
"He became involved in drugs 10 years ago when he took pity on someone he knew at work and helped her get off heroin.
"For some reason he became a user and has not been able to kick his habit until very recently while on remand in prison.
"His concerns were TV licence arrears and water arrears. For a man of his age such small debts weighed heavily on his mind. It made him cross the boundary from being a drug user to being involved in supply."
Judge William Hart told him at Gloucester crown court: "Your age may well be one of the attractions of using your services. You do not fit the profile of someone involved in this sort of offending."
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