A drug dealing father who lured his own son into a cocaine selling operation has been jailed.

Jeremy Folkard, 49, admitted supplying cocaine over a two year period to fund his own addiction.  

He was arrested in October 2022 together with his 25-year-old son Rhys following a police raid on a house belonging to a third man, Andrew Gunby, 37, in Costessey.  

Norwich Evening News: Jeremy Folkard admitted luring his son Rhys into cocaine dealing in order to fund his own addictionJeremy Folkard admitted luring his son Rhys into cocaine dealing in order to fund his own addiction (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Norwich Crown Court heard phones seized from the three had revealed messages linked to selling of cocaine while the bank account of Rhys Folkard showed suspicious cash deposits.

Quantities of crack worth hundreds of pounds and cash were also discovered.  

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At the time of the arrest Jeremy Folkard was already on bail in connection with a drug dealing operation in 2021 run from Tottington Close in Bowthorpe. 

Azza Brown, prosecuting, said police had found cocaine after reports that the property, whose occupant is vulnerable and disabled, was being used as a base for street dealing.

He was arrested again at Tottington Close in March 2023 where more drugs were found, she added. 

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of cannabis and Diazepam.

Norwich Evening News: Jeremy Folkard was arrested at a property on Tottington Close in Costessey following reported drug dealing in 2021 asd 2023Jeremy Folkard was arrested at a property on Tottington Close in Costessey following reported drug dealing in 2021 asd 2023 (Image: Google)

Rhys Folkard, of Beecheno Road, Costessey, and Gunby, of Kost Road, Costessey, both admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Mark Brown, for Jeremy Folkard, said: “He takes full responsibility for getting his son involved in drugs and dealing."

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He added: “This is not a lavish lifestyle case - there are no flash cars and clothes. He was homeless at the time and in the grip of a hopeless addiction to drugs.”

Jonathan Goodman, for his son, said: “He was not a willing and enthusiastic participant; rather he was persuaded and cajoled.”

Judge Anthony Bate jailed Folkard for four-and-a-half years but suspended his son’s 21-month sentence for 18 months due to the “limited extent of his criminality”.

Gunby will be sentenced on May 30.