A drug addict who was caught by the police dealing crack cocaine on the streets of Bradford has been jailed for two years and eight months.

Bradford Crown Court heard today that Neil Horsfall had been using drugs since the age of 17 and his long-standing addiction had blighted his life.

On August 20 last year, officers stopped and searched a Vauxhall Astra being driven by the 44-year-old in Murgatroyd Street, Little Horton.

Horsfall, formerly of Bradford, now of no fixed address, was found in possession of 13 wraps of the Class A drug, two mobile phones and £140 in cash.

He admitted that he had been dealing to pay off his own drugs debt.

Horsfall failed to attend at Bradford Crown Court in July for his sentencing hearing and today he appeared via a video link to HMP Leeds where he had been remanded in custody following his arrest.

He had earlier admitted charges of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of the criminal cash.

Barrister Harry Crowson, for Horsfall, said he had been trying support his ongoing habit and was acting under the direction of others.

He said drugs were a blight on Horsfall's life but he appeared to doing well while on remand.

Recorder Gavin Doig said Horsfall was fortunate to have the support of his parents but the appropriate jail sentence for the Class A drug dealing was too long to be suspended.