Drug dealer David Joseph jailed for peddling crack and heroin from vulnerable man's Harlow home

David Joseph was jailed for four sentenced to four years behind bars at Chelmsford Crown Court after he was found guilty of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Police knocked at an address in Rundells, Harlow, in July last year following concerns for the welfare of the man living at the address.

The door was opened by Joseph, 25, one of several gang members believed to have taken over the man’s flat to use it as a base for dealing, a practice known as cuckooing.

Officers searched Joseph, of Brandon Street, Walworth, and found he was in possession of cannabis and £210 in cash.

A further search of the flat revealed 26 rocks of the Class A drug heroin and crack cocaine, another £310 in cash concealed in the dealer’s bag and a mobile phone.

After Joseph’s arrest the vulnerable man living at the property told officers his flat had been used by a drug dealing gang for the last ten months. The man was rehomed for his own safety.

Joseph was found guilty of possessing a Class B drug and two counts of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

PC Timothy Knights, of Harlow police, said: "This case demonstrates how ruthless drug dealing gangs prey on vulnerable members of our community, exploiting them and forcing them into a position where they are often too scared to seek help.

"The Community Policing and Op Raptor teams worked closely with colleagues at Harlow Council to ensure Joseph was arrested but, very importantly, that the vulnerable man was safeguarded.

"I hope the jail term handed down to Joseph demonstrates how seriously both Essex Police and the courts take those committing drug and gang-related offences in our towns.

"If you or someone you know is being exploited, or in danger of being exploited, by gangs then please contact us.”

Anyone with information about gang or drug-related crime can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.