A MAN who was caught selling class A drugs in a Cheshire town has been jailed.

Michael Wickham was sentenced to five years and six months at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, July 11.

The 29-year-old, of no fixed abode in the Warrington area, previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Officers had been made aware of a mobile phone sending a number of ‘flare’ messages to facilitate the supply of class A drugs.

On Tuesday, June 11, officers on patrol in Victoria Park, Warrington, sighted Wickham who was suspected of drug dealing.

He was detained by officers and arrested on suspicion of drug offences.

A search conducted upon his arrest revealed Wickham was in possession of the mobile phone earlier identified by officers to be involved in the illegal drug supply.

Wickham was subsequently charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).

Detective Constable Tom Dale said: “I welcome the sentence handed to Wickham and I hope that his conviction sends out a warning to others.

“Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact, and we are committed to doing all we can to remove those involved in the supply of such drugs from our communities.

“In Wickham’s case he made a full admission to the fact that that he was involved in the sale of illegal drugs and is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“While Wickham is now behind bars, our fight against illegal drugs and those who supply them continues.

“Intelligence supplied by members of the public is crucial to this fight and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch.

“You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”

Anyone with any information in relation to supply of illegal drugs in their community is urged to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit the website.