A DRUG DEALER had £1,200 worth of heroin in the same flat as a young child, York Crown Court heard.

Owen Christopher Barker, 37, tried to get rid of the drug by throwing it out of a window as officers raided his home, said Simon Batiste, prosecuting. His girlfriend, Sarah Jane Stables, and her eight-year-old daughter were in the flat at the time.

But police outside spotted him and, in the street nearby, caught known addict Eleanor Varley with the heroin wrap he had just given her.

Barker, of Boroughbridge Road, York, pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and possessing heroin with intent. He was jailed for 30 months which he will start after finishing his current six-month sentence for motoring offences.

Judge Jim Spencer QC rejected a plea from long-term addict Barker that he let him keep his freedom so that the dealer could be with his girlfriend during her pregnancy.

"He certainly needs a long time without drugs, otherwise as soon as he gets the opportunity, he will be taking drugs again," said the judge.

To Barker he added: "I am satisfied you were at the bottom end of the supply chain. Nonetheless, you had quite a quantity in your possession."

Stables, 30, of the same address, had faced similar charges, but was acquitted after a legal argument.

Mr Batiste said the drug package Barker threw out of the window contained 24.1g of heroin, with a street retail value of £1,200.

The powder contained 62 per cent heroin and 28 per cent of other substances and its chemistry matched the heroin in Varley's wrap. The clingfoil round the wrap matched a roll of the material in the flat.

Paul Williams, for Barker, said he had been a heroin addict for 16 years. Since getting his six-month sentence in June, he had gone on prison courses to improve himself. A prison sentence would hit him hard because of his girlfriend's pregnancy. He handed in a letter from Barker pleading for mercy.

Barker was motivated to kick his drug habit, said his barrister.

Barker had a long history of dishonesty and prison sentences, the court heard.

Updated: 10:13 Wednesday, September 28, 2005