Wolverhampton park drug dealer jailed for 30 months

Bharat Patel was acting suspiciously when police spotted him in Hickman Park, Bilston, on September 18 last year, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

When he was cornered by officers in nearby Shale Street the 35-year-old started 'fidgeting with one of his pockets', said Mr Patrick Sullivan, prosecuting.

A search of his pockets revealed 19 wraps of diamorphine - also known as medical heroin - seven wraps of crack cocaine and £93.40 in cash.

The total street value of the drugs seized was £300. Patel's mobile phone was taken and analysed, revealing text messages that informed customers of his intentions to sell drugs.

Mr Sullivan added: "It was clear that the defendant was dealing for himself to make financial profit."

The court heard that Patel, who has a history of mental illness, has two previous convictions for the possession of drugs.

Mr Jon Roe, defending, said Patel came from a supportive family but had fallen into drug use at the age of 13.

"He became engaged in this operation to fund his own addiction," Mr Roe said. "He is also someone who was somewhat coerced into this behaviour by those above him in the chain of command."

Patel, of Westfield Road, Bilston, admitted two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

He was jailed for 30 months.