A Bury man who sold drugs on the streets to feed his addiction has been jailed.

Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard Jason Murphy relapsed in 2019 after getting into health difficulties.

The 50-year-old had been out of trouble since 2011, but in October 2020 police spotted him in a Ford Focus, which had no insurance and was believed to be involved in the supply of drugs.

Police approached it and found Murphy in the driver’s seat with a mobile between his legs.

He told police he had drugs in his mouth and removed them.

John Richards, prosecuting, said: “There were four wraps of brown substance, one wrap of white substance, handwritten numbers believed to be a debts lists, an Iphone, a Nokia and scales.”

He said the drugs were 0.157 grams of heroin and 0.075 of cocaine and evidence from phones showed Murphy had been dealing but was allowed to keep some of the drugs he used.

Mr Richards added: “There was an expectation of significant financial advantage, he had a significant understanding of the operation.”

Murphy, of Blundell Close, Bury, initially said the drugs were all for personal consumption but later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply of both heroin and cocaine ahead of a trial earlier this year.

He returned to court to be sentenced.

Keith Jones, defending, said: “It is a sad state of affairs” but claimed Murphy had performed a “lesser role” as he “performed a limited function” in the supply of drugs.

He asked for a suspended sentence to address the issues Murphy faced.

But recorded Abigail Hudson rejected this and said a prison sentence was necessary.

She said: “You were drug dealing to users.

“This was a significant role, you were clearly street dealing for financial gain.

“I accept you felt significant pressure to deal in these drugs.

“You are not of good character, you have a previous conviction for dealing some 15 years ago.

“You had been doing much better, in 2019 you were drug free and working.

“Sadly I understand illness has caused you to return to drug use.

“The realist is these offences are so serious only custody is appropriate.”

Recorder Hudson jailed him for three years.

Greater Manchester Police has been approached for a custody picture of Murphy