A LONG-term drug user and prolific criminal who turned to dealing to pay his debts has been jailed for more than four years.

Andrew Dewhirst, of Vine Place, Eccleshill, appeared over a video link from HMP Leeds at Bradford Crown Court after pleading guilty to dealing heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine.

Dewhirst, who has already served 12 years for drug dealing offences in the past, admitted the offending after being caught by police.

The court was told the 58-year-old was spotted by police when they saw someone who looked like a Class A drug user approaching a parked car on April 28.

Spotting the police, the person walked past the vehicle, and when officers approached the vehicle found Dewhirst.

Searching the vehicle, police found cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin with a total value of £349 and also found an amount of cash.

Officers found a phone which “clearly displayed he was involved in supplying drugs over a number of months”.

Speaking to police, Dewhirst admitted dealing drugs and said he had been a long-term drug user for many years and had fallen into debt, and was dealing to pay off the debt and also feed his own habit.

He was caught by police again dealing drugs in Idle on October 27 while on bail for driving while disqualified.

Following a tip-off police found him in possession of cocaine and heroin as well as almost £100 in cash. The drugs found were worth about £300.

He admitted drug dealing to police with the same excuses he used previously.

The court was told Dewhirst has an extensive criminal record with 48 convictions for 197 offences, including previous drugs offences and more than 40 theft offences, as well as numerous driving while disqualified offences.

He has previously served three jail terms totally 12 years for drug dealing - one of six years and two three-year stretches.

In mitigation, Richard Davies said Dewhirst had made “full and frank admissions”.

He said: “The defendant is a long-term drug user with significant problems stemming from his drug use.

“He is not in the best of health, he has COPD, high blood pressure and is also developing rheumatoid arthritis.”

Mr Davies said he has a supportive partner, and has recently suffered a family bereavement in the death of his father.

In jailing Dewhirst for 54 months - four and a half years - Judge Jonathan Gibson said: “You were seen in a car both times looking to sell drugs.

“Both times you were found in possession of drugs and money, which was the proceeds of drug dealing.

“You were dealing on behalf of an organisation to feed your own habit and your record supports the fact you are a long-term user. You also have a number of relevant previous convictions.”

For the April offences he was jailed for 27 months, and was also jailed for 27 months for the offending in October. The sentences will be served consecutively.

He will also be suspended from driving for six months following his release from prison.

A Proceeds of Crime Act application was also brought by the prosecution and adjourned to a later date.