A TEENAGER from Northwich who was caught dealing drugs by a police officer on his lunch break has been jailed.

At around 2pm on Wednesday, June 10 last year, PC Robert Tandy was visiting a shop in Kingsmead to pick up his lunch.

While in the store he was approached by a member of the public who reported possible suspicious activity involving a group of people nearby.

PC Tandy then left the store and walked towards the group to see what was happening, as he did so Harry Hewitson attempted to run away.

Following a short pursuit Hewitson was located nearby, where he found to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis and two mobile phones.

Officers also recovered a quantity of cocaine which he had thrown into a nearby garden when he was attempting to flee PC Tandy.

Hewitson was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Following his arrest a search was executed at his home on Lime Avenue, where officers recovered further drugs paraphernalia.

Hewitson was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of a Class B drug.

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to both offences and on appearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday, April 23 and he was sentenced to 22 months in prison and ordered to pay £261 in fines and costs.

Following his sentencing Sergeant David Christmas said: "This case is a true example of how information from the public is vital in the fight against crime.

"Thanks to the information provided by the witness in this case an 18-year-old man is now behind bars and a quantity of class A drugs has been removed from the streets of Northwich."

Chief Inspector Gary Smith, head of Northwich Local Policing Unit, added: "Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact and the team here at Northwich are committed to doing all we can to remove those involved in the supply of such drugs from our communities.

"As this case shows, information from the public can make a real difference in this fight and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch.

"You will be listened to and we will investigate the matter."

You can report suspected drug dealing to Cheshire Constabulary directly by calling 101 or giving the details online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report.