A drug dealer from Ellesmere Port whose illegal activity was uncovered after he was arrested for assault has been jailed for more than four years.

Patrick Foley appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday, October 21, where he was jailed for four years and six months.

The 50-year-old, of Hallwood Walk in Ellesmere Port, had plead guilty to common assault and possession with intent to supply a class A drug (cocaine).

He also admitted possession with intent to supply a prescription-only drug (tadalafil).

On Wednesday August 28, the victim in this case attended Ellesmere Port Police Station to report he had been assaulted and threatened by Foley.

He stated he had parked in Hallwood Walk, and when he exited his vehicle, Foley, who was known to the victim, approached him and assaulted him in an unprovoked attack.

He also made threats to the victim, making them fearful of returning home.

Police attended Foley's address and arrested him.

They also carried out a search of the address and seized a large bag of white powder, along with a number of phones, a set of scales, and a quantity of cash. A drugs expert confirmed the powder was cocaine with a potential value of between £1,050 and £3,500.

In interview, Foley denied the allegations against him and stated the drugs which were seized were for personal use only.

Despite his denials, Foley was subsequently charged with multiple offences.

Detective constable Stuart Wood said: "While Foley is now serving a considerable sentence, our fight against illegal drugs is never over, and we are committed to doing all we can to hold people responsible.

“But we must stress this is not an issue that we can tackle alone.

"Information from communities on drug-related behaviour is vital and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.”