A BASILDON drug dealer has been sentenced to more than six years behind bars after thousands of pounds of cash and drugs were found at their address.

Christopher England, 54, of Felmores End, Basildon, was stopped while driving in Paycocke Road when police detected the car he was driving had no insurance.

England initially gave the officers a fake name when stopped. Once he confirmed he was in fact Christopher England, officers were able to confirm he was wanted after failing to appear at court, and that his vehicle was connected to drug dealing in the town.

England was arrested and a search of his car found ten mobile phones and two small bags of cocaine.

With evidence suggesting he was clearly involved in the supply of drugs, his house was also searched and officers discovered £13,000 worth of cocaine and £76,000 in cash, as well as scales and other paraphernalia connected to the sale and distribution of drugs.

England was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and the possession of criminal property.

He was remanded in custody but refused to attend court for his trial at Basildon Crown Court in September 2024, where a jury deliberated for just 30 minutes after a two-day trial to find him guilty of both charges.

He was sentenced to six and a half years in prison on Friday, 4 October.

The drugs discovered were destroyed and the money was seized under the Proceeds Of Crime Act.

After the sentencing, PC James Payne said: "After a long investigation it is satisfying that the jury has returned a guilty verdict for England and he has received a lengthy prison sentence.

"Police have worked hard in order to take this drug dealer, intent on damaging the community with his actions, off the street.

"It sends a clear message that this criminal activity won't be tolerated in our county, and anyone intent on selling drugs in Essex will face justice."