A FLINTSHIRE man will spend the next year behind bars after being found in possession of drugs.

Andrew Smith, of Main Road in Broughton, appeared before Mold Crown Court after admitting to various drug offences.

The 30-year-old was charged with supply of Class B drug, Possession of both Class A and Class B drugs and also possession of criminal property.

Prosecuting, Ryan Rothwell, told the court how in November 2018 warrants were executed by North Wales Police at two address linked to Smith - a residential property and and industrial container rented at a business park - that were both in the Mold area.

Within the container at Bromfield Park, officers found a small amount of 'almost pure' cocaine in a coat and on a workbench valuing at around £400. They also discovered a number plastic bags and gloves at the location, believed to be used in packaging the drugs for distribution.

The court was told that at the home, Smith was present with his partner and officers raiding the property found a small quantity of cannabis - about 11g - in the kitchen which police valued at £80.

Various other pieces of drug paraphernalia were found in the search - including scales, bags and bundles of cash totalling £4,900 hidden in a carrier bag.

Smith was interviewed by officers the same day to which he told them that he was a 'heavy cannabis user', Mr Rothwell said.

Smith was said to have told officers the money was from his employment where he was paid cash-in-hand.

He denied any claims that he was in the business of dealing drugs.

A Samsung mobile phone was also seized from the address which belonged to Smith which told a different story.

Messages analysed by police found that Smith was being contacted by various people between June and November of 2018 regarding requests and arranging to meet people to hand over drugs.

Drug experts with the police were able to conclude that Smith was taking part in small street deals as well as larger scale deals too.

When presented with these messages, Smith answered no comment in interview.

Mr Rothwell told the court how Smith has 11 previous convictions to his name with some relating to drug possession and supply for both Class A and B drugs.

The defence, Ms Griffin, accepts on behalf of her client that the threshold for custody had been passed and told the judge how he had come to court prepared with packed bags and the full expectations that he would be going to prison.

She adds that the judge could consider that the delay in bringing this case before the court - namely 21 months - and the fact that Smith has committed no further offences in that timeframe be something that proves he is able to stay out of trouble.

Ms Griffin also briefly refers to the current situation in prisons with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for the judge to consider.

She adds that Smith's sentence in custody could see him lose his house and job as well as having an impact on his partner - with whom he shares a 15-month-old son and asks if the court would consider suspending that.

In passing sentence, Recorder Robert John Philpotts said: "You are 30 years of age now, you're not a boy but a mature man. You were heavily involved in the supply of cannabis.

"You were arrested, interview and, putting it bluntly, you tried to lie your way out of the predicament you were in. I'm afraid to say but you have let a lot of people down."

After consideration, Mr Philpotts told Smith that he 'had a public duty' and was unable to suspend the sentence and said it must be served in prison.