A CONVICTED drug dealer told a judge he was devastated to be missing the birth of his child.

Jermell Joseph, 31, was sent to prison for 28 months this week after he admitted supplying crack cocaine and heroin for the “Jay” County Line in Swindon last year.

In a heartfelt letter to the judge read out by Joseph at his Swindon Crown Court sentencing hearing on Monday afternoon, the dealer spoke of his deep-felt remorse.

“I am really sorry and regret every day waking up in this sort of environment from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

He said he had cried thinking about the possibility he might miss the birth of his child – due early next summer. The drug dealer said: “I wish I could turn back the hands of time and not get in a situation like this again.”

While on remand he had taken part in a number of courses, including one on violence reduction.

His lawyer, Ruth Zentler-Munro, told the court: “He hasn’t given up on the idea of being able to lead a good, normal, productive life.”

Earlier, the court heard how Joseph had sold crack cocaine and heroin to an undercover officer known as Yasmin in early September last year. The officer was in Swindon as part of a town-wide operation by Wiltshire Police that saw cops pose as drug addicts to make test purchases.

Joseph, who was arrested with £300 cash on him, was working for the Jay line in order to pay off a drugs debt.

The dealer, formerly of Bosham Close, Toothill, admitted supplying class A drugs and possession of criminal property.

Jailing Joseph for 28 months, Judge Peter Crabtree said: “Anyone who is involved in the supply of class A drugs is involved in criminality which wrecks lives and undermines the fabric of society. That is why it is serious and why as in this case the custody threshold is well passed.”