A man who was caught selling cocaine in broad daylight in Cirencester town centre has been jailed for 18 months.

Erald Mici was caught by plain clothes police as he openly sold cocaine from a car last month.

At Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday (August 11) prosecutor Emily Evans said police in an unmarked car on July 19 were alerted to an Audi A3 being driven 'suspiciously'.

“The vehicle was seen to pull over and a man was seen going towards the car," said Ms Evans.

"He was detained because the officers believed he was about to purchase drugs. After being spoken to he was sent on his way.

“One of the officers spoke to Mici, who motioned to get into the passenger seat. His demeanour changed when shown the officer's warrant card.

"Hidden in the car were multiple wraps of white powder along with £100 in cash and mobile phones.

“These 44 wraps were found to contain 0.5grams of cocaine each, the street value of the total being £1,760.

“Mici told the police he entered the UK three months earlier in the back of a lorry.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Joe Maloney, defending, said: “Mici came from Albania in the hope of finding legitimate work. Because of his immigration status he only found employment in low paid jobs and chose to earn more money dealing drugs. He was earning £200 a week and sending most of this home to his family.

“Mici had only been dealing for two weeks before he was caught. His role was at the bottom of the chain. He was pressurised into it following a degree of coercion.

“He tried to get out of this situation after two days, but was told in no uncertain terms that he couldn’t.”

Mici admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

READ MORE: Vapes being sold to underage children in Cirencester

The judge, Recorder Anna Vigars QC, told Mici: “I am sure you would have been aware how dangerous drugs are. I am satisfied your role in this operation was very limited. I understand it was difficult for you to stop because of the pressure being put upon you."

The judge jailed Mici for 18 months and warned him that is was likely that the Home Office would deport him once he had served his sentence.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and confiscation of the cash.