Teen from Norwich who ran 'Batman' drugs line spared jail

Alfie Starr, 19,  who had been running the 'Batman' drugs line supplying heroin and cocaine to drug addicts in Norwich, was arrested by police after they attended his home in connection with another matter.

Norwich Crown Court heard Starr, who was in his boxer shorts at the time, told police they would find some cannabis under his bed.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Oliver Haswell, prosecuting, said Starr "tried to reach under his bed", where cannabis and a cannabis grinder were found before picking something up.

As Starr was led away by officers across his driveway a "purse was thrown" although seen by an officer who picked it up and found it contained wraps of both heroin and cocaine.

Following his arrest last May a mobile phone was seized containing messages relating to drugs supply and showing he was running of the so-called Batman line and looking to recruit others.

He was released under investigation but arrested again last summer after he was seen by police pulling up in a taxi at an address in Cottinghams Drive, Hellesdon.

Starr ran off but was caught and as well as mobile phones had "multiple wraps of drugs" on him.

Starr, of Wroxham Road, Norwich, appeared at court after admitting possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply as well as possession of cannabis.

Alfie Starr (inset) appeared at Norwich Crown Court (Image: Facebook/Newsquest)He also admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine between July 31 2023 and September 23 last year.

John Morgans, mitigating, said the defendant was "so young, so young" when he committed these offences which he insisted were committed out of "bravado".

He said it was "nonsense" to suggest that Starr alone was running the drugs line.

Recorder Paul Garlick said Starr, who wiped away tears in the dock, was before the court for "serious offences" which had crossed the custody threshold.

But he took into account the defendant's age and powerful mitigation put forward on his behalf in imposing a sentence of two years in a young offenders' institution, suspended for two years.

Starr was also ordered to carry out 25 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR), a mental health treatment requirement of up to 12 months and 200 hours unpaid work.