A DRUG addict who faced losing his legs through infection and deep vein thrombosis could have them saved – after he was sent to prison for two years.

Ian Mullholland became the 14th person to be locked up after a crackdown on dealers in Darlington and neighbouring towns.

The long-time heroin addict, 43, has been hooked for more than 20 years and was injecting the drug, his lawyer told Teesside Crown Court this morning.

Ben Pegman, mitigating, said Mulholland also had gangrene and would have to have his legs amputated if he did not stop injecting.

"In custody, he has access to medical support three times a week and he is being given compression bandages," Mr Pegman told the court.

"He is happy where he is and that he is resolving the situation. If he can leave custody with it solved, that will keep him off heroin."

Police launched Operation Orient to infiltrate heroin and amphetamine dealers in Bishop Auckland and nearby Newton Aycliffe and Shildon.

The undercover blitz – involving officers posing as addicts – led to 13 people being jailed last month for a total of 22 years and two months.

Mulholland, of Wilson Street, Darlington, admitted two charges of supplying Class A drugs last year.

The court heard that he handed over a £10 bag to the undercover officer when the detective called at a house in Borough Road on March 18.

Six days later, the pair met in the town's Brunswick Street and Mulholland said he would "help you get sorted" with another £10 wrap.

Last month, The Northern Echo reported how Mulholland resorted to stealing food after his benefits were stopped.

Judge Michael Taylor told Mulholland – who has 138 previous offences, including four for drugs – that he has an "appalling" record.

"Given your background and your failure to abide by community sentences in the past, you know full well I have got to lock you up," he said.

At the earlier hearing, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, who sentenced the others, said the open dealing of drugs was a scourge.

Judge Bourne-Arton told the gang members: "Those who take part in the supply of controlled drugs are, in many ways, a blight on society.

"Residential areas, in particular in small communities, have to experience that dealing on the streets.

"It is not just those who are immediately concerned that are affected. The innocent passer-by, children and law-abiding citizens who see this activity affected and offended by it."