Norwich drug dealer jailed for selling at Chantry Place

Greg Murphy, 30, was tackled by two passers by on Gentleman's Walk after he attempted to escape when officers tried to arrest him near the entrance to the shopping centre. 

Greg Murphy was jailed for 21 months at Norwich Crown Court (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Norwich Crown Court was told the brazen dealer had been selling heroin and crack cocaine in the grounds of St Stephen's church.

READ MORE: Man running from police in Norwich tackled to ground

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said the area had been busy with lunchtime shoppers and families at the time and was covered by multiple CCTV cameras meaning it was “only a matter of time until he got caught”.

He was found with several wraps of street heroin and crack and £177 in cash when arrested, the court heard.

His mobile phone was linked to two drugs line numbers connected to the ‘Griffin’ county line, said Mr Youell.

Murphy was tackled by shoppers as he attempted to flee from police (Image: Newsquest)

CCTV footage had shown he had been selling drugs for four days up to his arrest on February 19.

READ MORE: Norwich drugs line holder sent out texts to hundreds of addicts

Murphy, of no fixed abode but previously from Great Yarmouth, admitted possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and money laundering of cash from drug sales.

Judge Katharine Moore jailed him for a year and seven months. 

The court was told Murphy had been caught on CCTV dealing the grounds of St Stephens church (Image: Chantry Place)

Oliver Haswell, mitigating, said his offending was “born of desperation” after he found himself at a low ebb having lost his job and accommodation.

“He was taken advantage of by people who run drugs and was sent out to one of the most high profile parts of the city to deal,” he said.

He added: “This is not someone who had a tonne of cash on him, an expensive watch on his wrist, a new pair of trainers and a nice home to return to in the evening.”