A 42-year-old drug dealer found with £15,530 in cash and £2,485 worth of cocaine when he was caught near Cirencester has been jailed for four and a half years.

Prosecutor Giles Nelson told Gloucester Crown Court on Friday that police patrolling the A419 between Stroud and Cirencester on January 5 saw a vehicle being driven erratically by Nicholas Geenty, of Windyridge, Bisley.

“When the officers got out to speak to the driver, Geenty promptly drove off at speed," said the prosecutor.

"The officers followed, travelling at speeds up to 80mph before Geenty decided to pull over in the area of Chapmans Cross, two miles from where he was originally stopped.

“When officers got to talk to Geenty, he asked them ‘Who’s grassed me up?’ and went on to admit there might be drugs in the central console and cash in the boot.

“The vehicle was searched and police located the money and drugs. His home was searched and cannabis and cocaine for personal use was found along with other drug paraphernalia.”

Matthew Harbinson, defending, said Geenty first came before the court for drug addiction aged 27 when he was introduced to Class A drugs by a partner and that began his 'reckless lifestyle.'

Mr Harbinson added: "Geenty did gain employment and his drug use reduced. However, during this time he was diagnosed with a number of incurable illnesses.

"He became annoyed when his employer had to let him go because, although he couldn’t fault Geenty’s work ethic his physical ability meant he could no longer do the job.

“Geenty returned to his old life of drugs and was jailed for a number of offences. Following his release in September 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, he found there was no work available and resorted to using Class A drugs.

"He still has ambitions for the future. He is planning to improve his education while in prison. He doesn’t fall into the pattern of normal drug users."

Geenty pleaded guilty to the possession of cocaine to supply, the possession of cannabis and possessing £15,530 as the proceeds of crime.

The judge, Recorder Robin Sellers told Geenty: “It is clear you were involved in drug dealing, but running for somebody else.”

The judge jailed Geenty for 54 months and ordered confiscation of the cash and forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and paraphernalia.