A drug user with an "appalling" criminal record has been given a "chance" by a judge after he admitted supplying Class A drugs to fund his habit. 

William Loasby, 38, had been seen by plain clothes police officers leaving his address but when he saw police he "diverted" down an alleyway.

King's Lynn Crown Court heard officers followed and found two abandoned packages down the alleyway close to a children's play park.

Ian James, prosecuting, said the abandoned packages were found to contain traces of diamorphine.

Loasby was also found in possession of a mobile phone which he refused to divulge the passcode for.

Mr James said despite his refusal to help, police were still able to gain access to the phone and discovered messages which showed evidence of "small-scale dealing" between January and February last year.

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He said there was a "small group of people who were supplied on individual occasions" and accepted there was "no evidence of large-scale supply".

Mr James said it was accepted he was "dealing to fund a personal addiction".

Loasby, of Hope Court, Lynn, who has 31 previous convictions for 62 offences, many of which relate to drugs, appeared at court on Wednesday (August 9) having admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin.

Lynne Shirley, mitigating, said he had been engaging with the probation service and other agencies and wants the help to continue.

She said his children were currently awaiting adoption which he was "significantly traumatised" by.

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Deputy Circuit Judge David Farrell said Loasby had an "appalling record" but gave him full credit for his pleas.

Imposing a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, he said: "It's a chance, don't waste it."

Loasby was also ordered to undertake 35 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR), a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR) and a six-month trail monitoring requirement.