A YOUNG single father from a respectable family background turned to selling drugs when he lost his job.
Police found drugs concealed in bags above dogs' kennels when they searched the home of Daniel Alvey, 28.
They recovered cannabis, amphetamine and 70 Ecstasy tablets, worth a total of £3,480 street value, at the property in Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, County Durham.
Alvey, who made immediate admissions after the drugs were discovered, was yesterday jailed for three years at Durham Crown Court.
Jailing him, deputy circuit judge Denis Orde spoke of the shame he had brought on his parents, both former Peterlee town councillors. His father, Jim, is a recent ex-mayor.
He said: "You must have brought great distress and embarrassment to them."
Chris Morrison, prosecuting, said Alvey told officers he had bought a larger than usual supply as it was approaching Christmas and New Year. He admitted taking some himself, and selling the rest among a circle of users.
Stephen Constantine, for Alvey, said he only turned to drug dealing to supplement his income after being made redundant, as he has to bring up a nine-year-old son.
Mr Constantine said Alvey was well thought of in the community, having helped install smoke detectors free to elderly householders following a local fire tragedy.
He admitted four charges of possession of either class A or B drugs with intent to supply, and one of possession.
The judge ordered destruction of the seized drugs and forfeiture of the £673 in Alvey's bank account
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article