A DRUG dealer is spending his 21st birthday behind bars today at the start of a four-year sentence.

Anthony Collins was supplying heroin from his home in Woodville Avenue, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, and sold it to an undercover police officer.

But, when he was bailed by police, Collins continued to sell heroin, including some to the undercover police officer, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Collins admitted seven offences of supplying heroin, possession of heroin with intent to supply it, and burglary.

Judge Guy Whitburn ordered Collins to serve 288 days outstanding from a previous sentence, plus three years for the drugs offences and three months for the burglary.

John Gillette, for Collins, said he had a drug addiction and had been exploited by those who supplied him.