A drug addict who was "coerced and intimidated" into supplying drugs in a Norfolk town became so afraid that he wore a homemade stab vest, a court has heard.

George Gardiner, who has been addicted to drugs, became involved in an operation to supply heroin and diamorphine on the streets of Great Yarmouth.

Norwich Crown Court heard Gardiner, who had been coerced into becoming involved in the drugs supply, was so intimidated by those above him that he "took to wearing a homemade stab vest".

Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Gardiner was arrested as he left a shop in Yarmouth by police "in the context of a wider drug investigation" in which his name came up.

He was arrested after he had just topped up a phone the number of which was being looked into by police.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said the number related to the supply of heroin and cocaine between February and May last year.

He said Gardiner was found in possession of SIM cards, mobile phones and cash when he was arrested by police who discovered scales and drugs paraphernalia at his home address. 

Mr Ivory said officers found a number of bulk messages "advertising illegal drugs to a client base" on the phones.

Gardiner, of Alderson Road, Yarmouth, appeared for sentencing on Thursday - his 38th birthday - after previously admitting being concerned in the supply of cocaine and diamorphine.

George Gardiner leaving courtGeorge Gardiner leaving court (Image: Newsquest) Recorder Douglas Herbert said "It's your birthday today.

"Not much of a birthday present having to stand up and await sentence for supplying class A drugs.

"As you know the offences of supplying cannabis and heroin in society is devastating to those to whom the drugs are supplied."

But accepting Gardiner had been coerced and intimidated to the extent he "took to wearing a homemade stab vest", Recorder Herbert imposed a 16 month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.

He was also ordered to carry out 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) as well as a four month trail monitoring programme.

John Morgans, mitigating, said Gardiner has had a "longstanding problem with drugs".

He said Gardiner was "genuinely ashamed" of his addiction but was doing "whatever he could to conquer that".