A drugs baron and two pushers have been jailed for a total of 14 years.

Former Brighton pub landlord Christopher Mayne regularly travelled to town to buy and sell heroin and would journey back home after each day's "work", Lewes Crown Court heard yesterday.

Brighton-born Mayne, 37, formerly of Grand Parade, Brighton, was trapped after a covert police operation by Sussex Police.

Operation Lanai, run by the force's Crime and Drug Unit, led to a police raid on an address in Moulsecoomb Way, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, on March 16.

Mayne was caught with just under half a kilo of heroin, 17 ecstasy tablets, 125 grams of cannabis resin and 30 grams of herbal cannabis, which comes to a combined street value of more than £14,000.

Judge Guy Anthony, before sentencing at Lewes Crown Court yesterday, said: "Heroin is the scourge of society and those who deal in it can expect severe sentences."

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Paul Grundy, head of the force's Intelligence Development Unit, which first dug up information on Mayne, warned other dealers could expect door-knocks from Sussex Police.

He said: "Mayne had been getting away with his illicit trade for some time, but he was finally brought to book. Our message is simple - deal in drugs and you will hear from us."

He urged anyone with information about drug dealing to call the force.

Mayne, who gave a Bournemouth address as his latest home, pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and possessing drugs with intent to supply. He was jailed for six years.

In defence for Mayne's actions, the judge was told the addict was forced into selling the drugs by another dealer to pay off a debt.

Two pushers, picked up after Mayne's arrest, were each jailed for four years.

Peter Chester, 34, of New England Street, Brighton, and Nuno Rodrigues, 30, of no fixed address, were found guilty of possessing more than £1,000 of heroin with intent to supply.