A 63-year-old Ipswich man who built up a £250 a day drug habit following the murder of his nephew has been jailed for 30 months for drug dealing.

Chris Sudeen, the uncle of 17-year-old Tavis Spencer-Aitkens who was stabbed to death in June 2018, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday.

The court heard that Tavis's death had a devastating impact on his family, including Sudeen – who had started reusing drugs as a result after also losing his mother.

He had become addicted to cocaine and had a £259 a day habit which he had supported by becoming involved in drug dealing.

Sudeen, of Robeck Road, Ipswich, admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine and possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply.

Ipswich Star: Chris Sudeen pictured after his arrestChris Sudeen pictured after his arrest (Image: Suffolk police)

Also before the court was Darren Wragg, 33, of no fixed address.

Wragg admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine and was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a 30-day rehabilitation requirement and 200 hours unpaid work.

Hannah Gladwell, prosecuting, said police had seen Sudeen throw a package containing cocaine and heroin worth between £700 and £2,000 out of a parked car in November 2021.

In September last year police officers went to a house Beatty Road in Ipswich and found Sudeen and Wragg at the property.

Wragg had five wraps of heroin and one of cocaine in a pocket and during a search of the house officers found further wraps.

Matthew Sorel-Cameron, for Sudeen, said his client had run a shop in Ipswich but the business had failed after being put under pressure to reduce the sale of alcohol because of anti-social behaviour.

Following his nephew's death and the death of his mother, he had started reusing drugs and had turned to drug dealing to support his habit.

Since being remanded in custody he had become clean of drugs and had enhanced prisoner status.