Dealers in death were the words used by police.

The Compton family in Brighton for years bought and sold huge quantities of heroin and continued doing so even after two women in the family died from drug-related illnesses and a baby was born heroin dependent.

They knew the deadly consequences, yet carried on dealing.

Ronald Compton pleaded guilty and sons Sean, Robert and Stephen were convicted yesterday at Hove Crown Court. A fourth son, Ronald junior, was jailed for eight years in 1999.

They are all now behind bars and police are hoping this will send a message to others who buy and sell in this evil trade: "Deal in drugs and you will get a call from us."