A DRUG user who stored cannabis and cocaine in his home has been jailed for three years, nine months.

Police seized four cannabis plants from Kevin Begley after searching his home and also found a large block of cocaine, worth more than £4,000 on the street.

The cannabis plants were valued at £900, while a small amount of cannabis resin, valued at just under £40, was found in Begley’s home in Ainsdale Way, Middlesbrough.

The 51-year-old said the cannabis was for his own use. He explained that he was paid £100 a week to store the cannabis.

Begley, who has a number of criminal convictions dating back to 1981, had previously served a two year jail sentence for supplying cannabis.

He admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of the cannabis and producing the drug on July 20 last year.

Rebecca Dyson, mitigating, said: "He was under financial pressure and took the opportunity offered to him to mind [the cocaine].

“The cannabis was simply for his own use.

"It is something he has used for many years, more so now because of his back pain.”

Ms Dyson said Begley had been subject to threats and demands from others as a result of the cocaine being seized by police.

Judge Peter Bowers, sitting at Teesside Crown Court, said Begley had provided a safe refuge for the cocaine to be stored in.