A MAN has been jailed for selling cocaine in order to pay off "substantial debts" he had built up from his own drug habit.

Jay Ellis, 22, of Maple Grove, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, was sentenced to 28 months in prison when he appeared at Chester Crown Court today (June 23).

He had pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply as well as possession of cannabis at an earlier hearing at Chester Magistrates Court.

Today, the court heard that Ellis had been selling drugs for eight months and when he was caught by police had at least £800 worth of cocaine in his possession.

Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant had built up "substantial debts" as a result of heavy drug use, and had been unable to "satisfy those drug debts".

He said Ellis had been driving along Princes Road, Ellesmere Port, on January 18 last year when he saw a police car and began to accelerate.

The defendant was eventually stopped near The Acorns Primary School and officers began to search both him and the vehicle.

Mr Taylor said officers found "wraps of white powder" in the driver's door and also recovered £553 in cash and a mobile phone.

A search of his home in Maple Grove resulted in cannabis and snap bags being seized, the court heard.

Mr Taylor said a total of 20 wraps of cocaine were found in the defendant's vehicle which had a street value of between £800 and £920.

Brian Treadwell, defending, told the court that his client's family home had been targeted – including having windows smashed – as a result of his drug debt, and that members of his family had received threats.

He said Ellis had learned his lesson and the "experience had matured him immensely", adding that he had "rehabilitated himself" since being arrested.

Mr Treadwell read out positive character references relating to his client's work as a gas fitter and said he had "incredible support from his family", who had since paid off his remaining debts.

He added: "He doesn't shy away from his wrongdoing."

Judge Simon Berkson told Ellis: "You were in possession of cocaine and intended to supply that dangerous and illegal drug. You were selling drugs in order to pay off significant drug debt.

"It's clear to me you built up that drugs debt. They were serious drug dealers. You were then used for eight months to sell drugs to people.

"It was only after police intervention that your loyal family members paid off your debt."

After giving the defendant credit for pleading guilty at the first opportunity, he added: "You have people who speak highly of you – family and people who know you through work."

Judge Berkson sentenced Ellis to 28 months in prison, of which half will be served on license. He faced no separate punishment for possession of cannabis.