Hackney drug dealer took over ‘vulnerable’ man’s home to run illicit business

Two drug dealers who took over a “vulnerable” 60-year-old man’s home as a base for their illicit business – forcing him to knock at his own door to get in – have been jailed.

George Browne, 21, of Chatham Place, Hackney Central and Tristan Aarons, 26, of Parkspring Court, Erith were found inside the squalid flat in Tamair House, Roan Street in Greenwich, during a raid last December, following complaints drug dealing was taking place there.

Browne and Aarons were found in the lounge, while the resident of the property was confined to the bedroom. The pair had taken away his key.

A search by officers uncovered just under a gram of heroin concealed in a make-up bag in the lounge as well as £1,300 cash on the pair.

A large hunting knife was hidden in a fridge next to where Browne sat.

During court proceedings Aarons explained the cash found by claiming he was a car salesman.

But phone evidence linked both men to drug dealing at the address according to Scotland Yard, with Aarons apparently the ringleader.

They were both found guilty at Inner London Crown Court of possession with intent to supply heroin.

Browne was sentenced at the same court on Friday to two years and three months’ imprisonment while Aarons was jailed for six years and three months.

PC Craig Johnson, of Greenwich’s proactive disruption team, said: “Aarons and Browne took over a vulnerable man’s address in order to conduct their drug dealing business.

“They have shown little or no remorse for the embarrassment and distress they caused. The occupant has since been re-housed.”