A COCAINE user “fearfully” agreed to act as a drug runner to fulfil a £5,000 debt owed to dealers who paid a threatening visit to his home.

Aaron Cornish, 31, was arrested in December 2019 after police spotted a dirty number plate on his car and pulled him over in Osborne Street, Colchester.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard he was found in possession of almost 70g of cocaine, worth between £2,840 and £5,680.

Police also uncovered a phone with text messages showing evidence of drug dealing and a cannabis grinder.

Cornish, of Bignell Croft, Highwoods, Colchester, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Sentencing Cornish, Judge Timothy Walker said he had been helped by a detailed presentence report prepared by the probation service.

He said: “You were quite candid with author. At the time you had a long-standing cocaine habit, you lost your job, you continued to be given drugs on tick and I’m told today in fact you racked up a debt of £5,000.

“As a result of that you were unable to pay that debt or buy any future drugs, and your former dealers went as far as visiting your home and putting fear into you in order to secure the repayment of the debt you owed.

“You went further with probation and admitted you were involved in the selling of drugs for about two or three months.”

The court heard since his arrest Cornish had managed to turn his life around, ceasing his drug use, halting any contact with dealers and finding steady employment.

Judge Walker said text messages found on his phone were consistent with Cornish acting as a runner delivering cocaine on behalf of three others.

He was persuaded there is a good prospect of Cornish being rehabilitated.

Cornish was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our court and crime newsletter here.

For the latest on crime and court, visit our dedicated Facebook page here.