A HOLT drug dealer has been sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment after being found guilty of supplying Class A drugs to a man who later died.

Hayley Beaven, 47, of Green Close, was found guilty at an earlier trial at Swindon Crown Court but was jailed following a hearing at Taunton Crown Court yesterday.

On May 2 last year, she supplied Bradford on Avon man Lee Challoner, who was aged 38, with heroin, which tragically led to his death.

Beaven denied the charge and said throughout the trial that the only contact she had with Mr Challenor was related to purchasing a mobile phone from him. She denied ever selling him drugs.

A jury took less than 30 minutes to find her guilty.

His Honour Judge Field told Beaven in court that she knew the risks associated with drugs but provided them to Mr Challenor anyway.

He said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate, and she was sentenced to five-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Acting Sergeant David Hambly, of the Dedicated Crime Team, said: "I would firstly like to thank Lee's family for the support and assistance they have provided to this investigation throughout.

"This is a tragic example of the heartache and devastation that drugs cause to individuals, families and the wider community.

"Lee was vulnerable and sadly made the decision on that fateful night to use drugs. The person he turned to in order to fulfil this desire was Hayley Beaven.

"She arrived at his home later that day and provided him with a quantity of heroin. Tragically, it was his use of this drug which led to his death a short time later.

"Drug dealing can often be considered to be a victimless crime, but as this tragic case shows, that could not be further from the truth. Drugs ruin lives, and the devastating consequences can be wide reaching.

"I would urge anybody who has information regarding drug dealing in their community to come forward - any information you have will be treated with the utmost discretion."

To report drug dealing in your area, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.