POLICE who attended a house while investigating an alleged assault “sniffed out” the presence of cannabis, a court heard.

Further searches of the premises led to the recovery of more than 180g of cannabis and 17.56g of amphetamines powder concealed in various locations, plus scales, a ‘dealer list’ and other items indicating drug dealing.

Durham Crown Court heard that householder Stephen Batey, who appeared “nervous” when police began their search, was also found in possession of £680 concealed in a pouch within his underwear.

Paul Abrahams, prosecuting, said analysis of a mobile phone also seized in the search, last September, revealed, “a string of messages relating to drugs” over the previous two months.

Mr Abrahams added that the recovered drugs would carry an estimated potential value in street sales of between £1,860 and £2,280.

Thirty-eight-year-old Batey, of Broomhill, Stanley, previously admitted two counts of possessing class B drugs with intent to supply.

Nick Cartmell, mitigating, said despite initial denials, Batey now accepts that as a long-term cannabis user, he was seeking to increase his “limited income” from the sale of drugs to a small circle of buyers.

Mr Cartmell added that it was the defendant’s first conviction for supplying drugs.

Jailing Batey for nine months, Judge Christopher Prince told him he was, “clearly an active drug dealer”, in the period from July until the police search, two months later.

He described it as, “a cynical small business run to increase your income.”

Judge Prince added: “It’s important the clear message must go out that if you deal in drugs you must expect to go to prison.”

He also ordered forfeiture of the recovered money, drugs and paraphernalia recovered in the search.