Judge highlights sad state of Exeter drug dealing hotspot

An Exeter man has been jailed after being caught dealing at a notorious drugs hotspot in the city. Alfie Smith was seen by cops trading heroin and crack cocaine for cash at Flowerpots Park.

The judge said the playing fields have become well-known to the courts as place where drug dealers operate. Smith, of Exwick Road, was sentenced to three years at Exeter Crown Court.

On the afternoon of May 9 this year police saw two known drug users taking money from a cash machine in the city centre. They followed them to Flowerpots and noticed they made several phone calls on the way. Once at the fields they met Smith who conducted a deal. He attempted to run away but was arrested.

The 22-year-old was found to be in possession of nine wraps of cocaine with a street value of £90, heroin wraps worth £480 and some cash. At his home, police discovered two pairs of Nike Air Jordan trainers and a Louis Vuitton bag which was seized as criminal property.

On his phone were block messages advertising the sale of drugs. One said: "On both", meaning crack cocaine and heroin were available.

Rachel Smith, defending, said the defendant had a difficult childhood, with a background of domestic violence and a lack of schooling. She said he was "swept up by the travelling community" and taught the trade of drug supply. He had been subjected to threats and violence in the past.

Smith was released from his previous custody term in November of last year but was street homeless in the Barnstaple area after two weeks. He was well known in Exeter as a street dealer and returned to it because he only had £110 a month to live on. He is a cannabis user and has PTSD. Smith admitted two offences of possessing drugs with intent to supply and one of possessing criminal property.

Judge David Evans said: "Flowerpots skating park is a place where youths gather to play and sadly also drugs users and sellers. They use the nature of the location as camouflage for their activities and there are many exit routes. One of the users made a call to your phone and you met in the trees nearby."

He said he appreciated it was not easy for Smith to break free of his lifestyle but jail was the only option.