A 70-year-old Suffolk drug dealer with a reputation for causing problems in his community has been jailed for supplying heroin.

Robert Beales, of Arnhem Court, Lowestoft, was sentenced to 20 months in prison when he appeared before Ipswich Crown Court.

He was arrested by police after being targeted by officers due to his notoriety.

His co-accused Alexandra Burke, of High Street, Lowestoft was spared jail. However, the 32-year-old was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Beales and Burke had pleaded guilty at earlier hearings to being concerned in the supply of heroin - a Class A controlled drug.

Detective Sergeant Karl Storey, of the Lowestoft-based territorial support team, said he was pleased with Beales’ jail term who was well-known to officers and the community for his anti-social behaviour.

Det Sgt Storey said: “It’s known he caused problems for residents in Arnhem Court area through his anti-social behaviour and continued drug dealing, and he was actively targeted by police due to this.

“Officers were aware he was travelling to other residential areas to deal drugs and on Friday, December 16 last year, as part of the operation to target him, police stopped both Beale and Burke for drug searches.

“This was after Burke was seen going into an alleyway at Hadleigh Drive to supply another woman with heroin.

“Searches were then carried out at their homes addresses and evidence seized.”

After further enquiries both were charged in May this year.

As a requirement of Burke’s suspended sentence she must attend appointments with the probation service. She must also take part in a women’s emotional well-being activity programme.