A DRUG dealer caught supplying heroin to an undercover police officer has escaped a jail term.

Alexander Jeffery is the first person to be sentenced as part of Operation Hayward, launched by police in Braintree this summer.

Jeffery, 24, supplied one wrap of heroin to an officer, known as Kelly, in Braintree on July 30.

The deal was recorded and Jeffery, of St James Road, Braintree, was arrested later.

He admitted supplying heroin when he appeared for sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court and was jailed for 12 months, suspended for 18 months.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC also gave him a 12-month drug rehabilitation order.

Sarah Lewis, mitigating, said Jeffery had spent seven weeks in custody after his arrest.

Miss Lewis said he has been drugs free since then and was hoping to remain so.

Jeffery’s brother James will be sentenced next month after he admitted two charges of supplying class a drugs.

The 25-year-old from Coggeshall Road, Braintree, was remanded in custody while a pre-sentence report is prepared. There was no application for bail.

Police arrested more than 20 people in Operation Hayward after raids on houses in Braintree, Witham and London.

More than 50 officers targeted 15 properties in Braintree including houses in Rifle Hill, Howard Close and Coldnailhurst Avenue.