A FATHER-OF-FOUR battling a heroin addiction was forced to sell drugs on the streets to prevent the windows at the family home being smashed, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Vincent Clarke, 41, of Avenel Road, Allerton, Bradford, pleaded guilty to peddling crack cocaine and heroin in the city on August 1.

Prosecutor Imran Khan told the court yesterday Clarke was caught by plain clothes police selling drugs. He said his drug dealer threatened to smash his windows if he did not sell drugs.

Clarke’s solicitor advocate, Simon Hustler, said he had struggled to overcome a heroin addiction.

Judge Neil Davey QC told Clarke he was “a caring father” who fell into the clutches of drug dealers. He sentenced him to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with supervision, and a six month Drug Rehabilitation Requirement.

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