A 23-year-old Manchester man found with £10,000 of hard drugs on the streets of Gloucester was jailed for two years.

Dejaun Raymond, of Shrewsbury Street, Old Trafford, Manchester pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and crack cocaine, both class A drugs, with intent to supply on 10th December last year.

Prosecutor Janine Wood, told Judge Ian Lawrie QC sitting at Gloucester crown court that Raymond was caught by undercover officers and found to have 64 grams of crack cocaine and 39 grams of heroin on him.

The barrister said those drugs had a street value of just over £10,000.

"Due to value, he must be a trusted person in the chain," she said.

The court heard that the undercover officers were on a mobile patrol in the Kingsholm area of Gloucester at about 10am on 10th December.

They saw a group of people waiting, and also a Skoda car, the prosecutor said.

The officers formed the view they were class A addicts due to their appearance, Mrs Wood said.

They then saw Raymond approaching the Skoda with one hand 'clenched' and the other holding a mobile phone.

As the officers got out of their car, Raymond saw them and took flight, running off down Sweetbriar Street, onto Guinea Street, then through a small alleyway into some parkland.

He was seen to discard a white package as he ran.

Raymond was detained by police and found to still be in possession of a significant quantity of hard drugs, the court heard.

The police recovered the white package which contained further class A drugs.

In total there were 67 wraps of heroin and 94 of crack cocaine, Mrs Wood said.

He was also in possession of two mobile phones and £147.73 in cash.

Raymond gave a no comment interview to police, but officers noted he seemed 'surprised by the value of the drugs on him'.

Mrs Wood suggested that as a Manchester man 'he may have been used to come to the area, because of his size'.

"He is clearly not a main dealer, he has been directed down here," the prosecutor said.

"He is obviously one of the foot soldiers," Judge Lawrie remarked.

She confirmed that Raymond had no previous convictions.

Judge Lawrie noted 'he is of good character, relatively young, but he is carrying an awful lot of drugs'.

Defence lawyer, Lewis Perry, representing Raymond said his client had not 'prevaricated', entering guilty pleas early and not seeking a probation report.

"It appears he has been perhaps manipulated by people further up the chain," the barrister said. "We will never know who they are.

"He carries the can today.

"He wishes to get on with his custodial sentence.

"The medical report gives some testimony towards his position and circumstances. He clearly has had some learning difficulties in the past.

"Perhaps he is easily led and manipulated.

"He does not shy away. He pleads guilty and expects to be punished," Mr Lewis said.

Mr Lewis said his client hoped to serve his sentence and rebuild his life.

The judge observed: "He is now in debt to someone to the tune of £10,000."

"He has not named names," Mr Lewis said, "It is very difficult to name people.

"He has taken the rap. He has found himself in the dock today."

When asked what drew his client into the offending Mr Lewis said: "The prospect of making some money."

The barrister concluded by saying: "He hopes your honour will keep the sentence as lenient as possible."

Imposing the 24 months jail term, the judge told Raymond: "It really is a matter of regret you are here. 23 years old and of good character.

"There is nothing to suggest in the past you had any inclination to get involved in crime.

"At the moment you have been persuaded by one means or another, to be the guardian for quite a substantial amount of drugs.

"There is a degree of ignorance of what you were getting involved with.

"I take the view you have been taken advantage of.

"You will have to learn a valuable lesson. I have no option but to send you into custody.

"Make the most of your time in custody," the judge concluded. "Try not to repeat the experience as the time in custody just gets longer."