A NEW FOREST man, described by his barrister as “a giro junkie’’, has become the latest person to be jailed following a major police crackdown on drugrelated crime in the area.

Thomas Georgeson was arrested after supplying varying amounts of heroin to undercover police officers making test purchases in New Milton in Operation Mercury.

Southampton Crown Court heard Georgeson had run a thriving gardening business for eight years until 2006 when he lost his licence for a drink/driving offence and relapsed into heroin misuse.

Oliver Wellings, defending at Southampton Crown Court, painted his role as go-between and not a large scale supplier.

He had also not financially benefitted from his offending.

Georgeson, of Danesbury Meadows, New Milton, admitted six charges of supply and was jailed for three years.

Judge Gary Burrell QC told him: “You are 55 but you look 75 because you have been on heroin since you were 22. It is a very sad situation to have ended up in, spending most of your life consuming this dreadful drug."

Two other defendants, arrested under the same police initiative, were spared prison sentences.

Scott Adair, 39, of Whitefield Road, New Milton, who admitted three charges of supplying heroin and one of crack cocaine, was given a nine month drug rehabilitation requirement and 12 months supervision after the court heard he had played a limited role and not received any payment.

Jenna Tooze, 25, of Birch Court, New Milton, who admitted three counts of supplying heroin, was given a warning she faced at least two years’ jail.