A DRUG gang boss who ran Hereford’s heroin trade was busted by his own boasts.

Christopher Mitchell’s gang of eight used homes across south Hereford to peddle crack cocaine and heroin throughout 2006.

The group was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court last Friday to a total of 40 years in jail for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Ringleader, Mitchell, aged 27, of Marlbrook Road, Redhill, was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty. He appeared alongside Steven Preece, 28, of Golden Post, Hunderton, Mark Bieler, 42, of Ross Road, Colin Scott, 36, and Antoni Hall, 34, both of Springfield Avenue, Hunderton.

According to Jonah Hankin, prosecuting, the group bought hard drugs from a source in Gloucester and ran their operation from several homes.

Mark Kinsey, for Mitchell, said the defendant accepted his involvement but denied being the ringleader. He added his client had moved from Gloucester into a drug environment and bought the drugs for personal use.

Judge Andrew Geddes said he was “quite satisfied” that Mitchell was the leader, and read a note written by the defendant, found by officers at one of the flats.

“It’s big bad Mitch here – I’m out and running Hereford big time, and I’ve got a flat, three cars and lots of money and drugs,” it read.

Judge Geddes said to Mitchell: “I accept that you were the principal organiser behind this conspiracy, contrary to what you may say, and as such, you must bear the heaviest burden.”

Scott, Hall and Bieler all received sentences of four years and 10 months and equally played a major part, according to the judge. Preece was sentenced to four years in prison.

Also in the dock were Steven Williams, aged 39, of Powys Walk, Newton Farm, Tina Bailey, 27, of Masefield Avenue, Newton Farm, and Nicola Dean, 40, of Marlbrook Road, Redhill.

All were found guilty at previous hearings after pleading not guilty.

The latter, who was also Mitchell’s partner, received a four year sentence after allowing her house to be used as a base.

Williams, who has one conviction for dealing class A drugs, was handed a seven-year sentence, while Bailey received three years.

The eight were arrested as part of Operation Badger, launched by West Mercia police following reports of drug dealing in south Hereford. Several homes were raided between May 25 and December 18, yielding various amounts of drugs and cash.

After the case, Det Sgt Mark Peters called the operation a major success.

“When we were looking at these people it was clear that Mitchell was running Hereford – he was responsible for the dealing of heroin in Hereford and to get him is a big deal,” he said.