A DRUG dealer who set up shop in Droitwich has been told prison is 'inevitable' as judges send a message to gang leaders.

Adrian Lynch admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine in Droitwich when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court yesterday. A further count of being concerned in the supply of heroin will be allowed to lie on file.

The 28-year-old had denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty on what was to be the first day of his trial and before a jury was sworn.

Judge Robert Juckes QC has previously warned that Worcester and Hereford judges will jail County Lines drug dealers, imposing tougher deterrent sentences. Echoing his sentiments South Worcestershire police commander, Superintendent Damian Pettit has said that the county is no 'soft touch' in the war on drugs.

Lynch of Leonard Road, Birmingham, admitted being concerned in the supply of the class A drug between May 1 and June 13 last year and also admitted obstructing a constable in the execution of their duties.

He is expected to be sentenced today alongside co-defendant Philip Brown, aged 39, of Heathfield Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, who has already admitted possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

A third defendant, Leeanne Edwards of Vines Lane, Droitwich, had also already admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

The 43-year-old was sentenced to a community order for 12 months, a 44 day curfew and 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement days.

The three were arrested in the Teme Crescent, Droitwich on June 12 last year.

Charles Hamer, prosecuting, said the starting point for Lynch’s sentence was four and a half years in prison with the defendant having a significant role in the operation. However, he also said that an iPhone had been analysed which showed that there was someone above Lynch in the chain known as ‘Tapz’.

Mr Hamer said: “It’s a County Lines case. There is no question that this is a category three, significant role.”

Recorder Robert Spencer-Bernard said there was some authority to put the case even higher in the sentencing guidelines into the ‘leading role’ category which could mean a potentially longer sentence.

Mr Hamer said that County Lines cases were now ‘so common’ to which the recorder replied: “That’s part of the problem.”

Lynch’s phone was analysed which revealed the existence of 'Tapz’. Drugs messages from May 27 last year were also read out from the phone. One from ‘Chantelle’ said: “Can you get any MD (MDMA or ecstasy)?”

Lynch replies ‘just coke’ to which Chantelle answers ‘how much?’

Lynch answers: “He says £50.”

“The suggestion is that the man Tapz is influential in this whole supply of cocaine. Tapz appears to be a more influential figure (than Lynch)” said Mr Hamer who described the enterprise as ‘an advertising campaign’.

No figures were supplied as to the total value of the drugs supplied in Droitwich. However, the court heard that police seized 20 wraps of heroin and ‘more’ of crack cocaine during the arrests.

Brown had previously refused to get on the prison van on the day Edwards was sentenced, Mr Hamer told the court.

Recorder Spencer-Bernard said Lynch should be remanded in custody. Speaking to the defendant he said: “You have pleaded guilty to a serious matter, as is conceded by your counsel, and a prison sentence is inevitable.

“It seems to me only right and proper I should remand you in custody and that’s what I do.”