A Colchester drug dealer has been jailed for three years after being caught with cash and drugs. 

Phillip Buckley, 37, and Daniel Jacobs, 34, were arrested in Laindon on March 17. 

Southend Crown Court heard how police found a weapon in Jacobs' car during the search as well as 19 wraps of heroin and £1,265.

Both admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin.

Buckley also separately admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and amphetamine and possession of heroin.

Buckley was jailed for three years and Jacobs was jailed for two and a half years.

Prosecuting, Philippa Page, said: "Buckley dropped a phone into a puddle but it wasn't damaged and police found a number of standard drug dealing messages going back to December 2022.

"Jacobs also had a phone with drug dealing messages going back to May 2021, and police also found 19 wraps of heroin. 

"The phone messages were a clear indication of the drug dealing. A total of £555 was found on Buckley and Jacobs was found with £710. Both have substantial amounts of previous convictions."

Gazette: Phillip Buckley, 37, has been jailed for three years Phillip Buckley, 37, has been jailed for three years (Image: Essex Police)

The court was told how Buckley was also found with £570, a crack pipe, cocaine, heroin and amphetamine in another incident in May 2020.

Mitigating for Jacobs, of Mynchens, Basildon, Diana Pigot, said: "He has glowing drug references from the prison, showing he's someone who's planning on changing his life around.

"He was doing small level dealing with very small amounts such as £50 or £60." 

Gazette: Daniel Jacobs was jailed for two and a half yearsDaniel Jacobs was jailed for two and a half years (Image: Essex Police)

Mitigating for Buckley, 37, of Keelpoint, Colchester, Christopher Martin, told the court Buckley became homeless at 14 due to abuse by his stepfather and fell into taking drugs and alcohol abuse.

He said: "He's suffering with ADHD, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. He was buying drugs for himself and others too."

Sentencing the two men, Recorder David Osborne, said: "The sentences may be lenient and other judges may have passed different sentences.

"You must know the damage these drugs have done to you.

"I have done my best to give you as much of a chance as I can - don't squander it. I think you are both people who can be useful with your lives."