Cocaine addict Adrian Lawrence turned to dealing when he got deep into debt because of his habit, a court heard.

Lawrence was today paying the price for his dealing by starting a five-year prison sentence after admitting possession and supply of a number of controlled drugs.

A court heard how police swooped on Lawrence's home in Gainsborough Drive, Westcliff, armed with a search warrant and found 1.75 kilos of cannabis, 66 Ecstasy tablets and 21 grams of cocaine.

A canister of CS spray was also discovered in a kitchen cupboard as well as £3, 415 in cash.

He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with a street value of £6,300, Ecstasy valued at £669 and cocaine worth £1,175 and with intent to supply each drug.

Southend Crown Court heard Lawrence, 37, was a heavy user of cocaine and used between six and eight grams a week and intended to sell the rest.

The father-of-two admitted he had been dealing for a year after getting into debt with dealers.

Defence solicitor Anthony Barnes said: "He resumed using cannabis after his marriage broke up and started using cocaine, which he was unable to control. He was soon in considerable debt. He had nothing to sell and a debt of £3,500.

"He was invited to work off the debt by those who had been supplying it."

The court heard he had been dealing cannabis and cocaine to a small group of friends who came to his house.

Since being held on remand in jail Lawrence has admitted himself to the drug rehabilitation wing and has regularly provided samples for testing which have tested negative.

Judge Frank Lockhart said: "It is necessary for me to impose a sentence that is going to deal with your involvement and send out a message to others that this kind of behaviour can only result in a harsh sentence."

Lawrence was given a total of five years for the six drugs charges and possession of an offensive weapon.

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