A Stroud dad has been jailed for three years after he admitted peddling both crack and heroin in the town.

34-year-old Everel Douglas of Margaret Hills, Stroud, pleaded guilty to possession of class A drugs with intent to supply on 13th September last year.

Prosecutor, Janine Wood, told the judge at Gloucester crown court, recorder Craig Morrison, that the street value of the drugs was £3,740.

The father of four claimed he only became involved in the supply of hard drugs after he crashed a friend's moped into a BMW.

That man forced him to repay the cost of the damage through drug dealing, Michael Situ representing Douglas said.

Recorder Morrison said that explanation was 'implausible' and described it as 'a story he has concocted'.

Prosecutor, Janine Wood, told the judge that plain clothed officers observed a known drug user approach a silver Mazda on Beard's Lane, Stroud.

Having believed they witnessed a deal take place, they stopped the car and spoke to the sole occupant, Everel Douglas.

Douglas pointed to a white pot in the central console, which when searched was found to contain class A drugs.

When he removed his baseball caps, several 'wraps' of both heroin and crack cocaine fell out.

The prosecutor said that Douglas was both a street dealer and also supplying other street dealers.

This placed him in a 'significant role' according to sentencing guidelines - which carries a starting point of four and half years immediate jail.

Mrs Wood said that Douglas had one previous conviction recorded against him for possession of drugs.

Mr Situ said on behalf of his client: “He is very remorseful and regretting he did not seek out the assistance of the police.

“He has used his time in custody as a point of reflection,” the barrister said.

Imposing a three year jail term, the judge said: “These are serious drugs which visit untold damage on the lives of people.

“I've read to the letters pointing to your role as a family man with responsibilities around the home.

“But only custody can be justified.”