A DRUG dealer who a judge described as having a “murderous looking” weapon – a gas powered Swiss Army pistol – has been jailed for just under seven years.

Judge Sean Morris said that the ball bearing firing pistol, found in Daniel Green’s possession, “could still cause considerable harm, if not death”.

Green was described by his barrister Jonathan Walker as a “Walter Mitty” type-character who enjoyed the lifestyle that came with his criminal dealings.

He also said he lived in a fantasy world and had numerous-money making ideas that were not based in reality.

Police found the pistol, a set of knuckledusters and CS gas canisters in Green’s Ford Transit van, along with £14,780 cash, after he was arrested for a shop theft at Northallerton’s Tesco store in May 2015.

In an earlier incident in July the previous year the defendant was a passenger in a Seat vehicle searched by police in Middlesbrough when they found ten bags of cocaine. A set of scales was also found.

Police went to the defendant’s home and found more drugs, as well as a ‘dealer’s list’.

Green, 28, of Moorview Road, Northallerton, admitted two counts of possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing drugs including amphetamine, M-Cat, cannabis and ecstasy.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing prohibited items and criminal property, along with a theft charge.

Mr Walker, mitigating, said: "He liked having a pretty girl on his arm, he liked the money, and he liked being able to provide users with a supply (of drugs).”

Judge Morris said the knuckledusters could be used to “mash" people’s faces, adding: “There are too many weapons of that sort swilling around, they are a danger to the public.”

Green was jailed for a total of six years, eight months at Teesside Crown Court.