A DRUG dealer - part of a “cottage industry” in Southend - has been jailed.

Scott Sibley was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Friday after being caught cycling around Westcliff with Class A drugs during lockdown.

The 25-year-old was spotted on his bike on May 23 this year and officers became suspicious.

They carried out a stop and search and found 25 wraps of various Class A drugs, along with a mobile phone.

Messages on this phone linked Sibley to the dealing of Class A drugs in the Southend area.

Police then went and searched Sibley’s home in Blyth House, Southend, where they found further quantities of drugs, plus around £2,000 worth of cash, believed to be drug money.

Drug measuring products and other paraphernalia were also found inside the property.

Sibley went on to admit possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs and possessing criminal property.

Prosecution told the court on Friday that Sibley was within a “cottage industry” of drug dealing in the Southend area.

Mitigating, John Caudle said: “He was a cocaine user.

“He was under threats and pressure, that’s why he said he got involved in the way that he did.

“He was hoping he would get some drugs and a bit of cash as well.

“He is determined not to go back to drugs.”

Mr Caudle said Sibley had been drug free since being arrested.

Judge Samantha Leigh stated that Sibley had no previous convictions and that he played a significant role in the dealing operation.

She sent him to prison for 40 months.