A MAN who was caught in possession of £6,000 worth of class A drugs has avoided an immediate jail sentence.

Tyler Emmins, 27, was arrested in August last year after he was spotted riding a motorbike in a dangerous manner in Darenth Lane.

Officers could smell cannabis, which he admitted to having.

He was detained for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act but then attempted to run off.

Officers were able to prevent him from fleeing and they found 70 packets of drugs on him, which were found to contain cannabis, ketamine and cocaine.

Emmins, of Cliff Place, South Ockendon, admitted three charges of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, November 25.

He also admitted obstructing a police officer, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

Emmins was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 18 months, during another court hearing on Monday, January 27.

He was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity.

A confiscation order for £380 was also made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sergeant Ben Forbes said: "This result was only possible thanks to officers responding to concerns from residents about anti-social behaviour and dangerous riding of motorbikes in South Ockendon town centre.

"The officers were on foot and attempted to stop Emmins, who didn’t wish to follow their instructions. He was immediately detained and was found with class A drugs worth approximately £6,000.

"Emmins was charged following a thorough investigation by PC Stephen Fraser of the Town Centre Team.

"He initially denied the charges in court but changed his plea.

"I would like to thank the public for their daily support and ask them to continue letting us know of any concerns they have so we can deal with them appropriately."

The South Ockendon Town Centre Team was launched last summer as part of drive to make policing more visible.

The teams work proactively to deal with local issues and work closely with the community and partners.