A drug dealer has been jailed after police found heroin, cash and scales in his car.

Lloyd Jason Flood, aged 48, and of Church Lane in Weymouth, was sentenced to 30 months in jail at Bournemouth Crown Court for possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply.

Prosecutor Anne-Marie Garvie said Flood had been parked in Chesil Beach car park on June 13 2017, when his Ford Focus was searched by police.

Officers discovered drug paraphernalia, as well as a bag containing brown powder, tin foil and scales with residue on them.

Miss Garvie explained: “He was searched and found with £815.90. Flood was then arrested.

“He said he had no knowledge about the items in the car and that he had recently bought the vehicle. He said the cash was to pay for car tax and a new clutch.

“Police later confirmed the brown powder was heroin worth between £220 to £300 and weighed 2.4 grams in total. The scales were also found with heroin on them.”

Police also discovered he owned a number of phones, one of which included messages from clients, who wished to buy drugs from him.

Mitigating, David Freeland, said: “He’s of previous good character and has now reached the age of 48, this is the first time he has been before the courts.”

He said Flood’s drug dealing wasn’t ‘profit motivated’ and that he has a working income, but has been addicted to heroin since the death of his mother when he was aged 18.

Mr Freeland said he was supplying the drugs to his friends and family.

Judge Steven Climie said: “It’s not a street supply in the sense of it taking advantage of others and profiting, I accept that.

“I am struggling because the use of this might ultimately result in the supply of drugs to people who will suffer as a consequence.”

During his verdict, Judge Climie said: "In June 2017 for a period of at least six weeks you engaged in the supply of class A drugs to those you knew who were prepared to use such drugs.

“The reality is class A drugs are highly damaging to all those who take them, physically and mentally.”

He added that drug dealing of this nature ‘must result in an immediate custodial sentence.’

“That’s the only way the courts can take a part in seeking to reduce the level of use of class A drugs.”

Flood has been sentenced to two and half years in prison and will pay a victim surcharge of £170.

Detective Sergeant Rhys Griffiths of Weymouth CID said: “We recognise the detrimental impact the supply of class A drugs has on our communities and we are committed to bringing dealers such as Lloyd Flood to justice.

“We will continue to make efforts to disrupt efforts to supply drugs in our area and are grateful to members of the public who report any suspicious or drug related activity.

“Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, vie email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”