A drug dealer who used his own father to ferry him about has been locked up after police spotted him acting suspiciously.

John Pink came to the attention of officers when he was dropped off as a house by his father before coming and going a couple of times.

Teesside Crown Court heard how cocaine was recovered when the car was pulled over and searched in the South Bank area of Middlesbrough.

Rachel Masters said a search of his parents resulted in the discovery of more of the Class A drug before the police attended his own home and found more cocaine stashed away.

“Pink was searched and found with cocaine, £1,000 in cash and some cannabis,” she said.

“A search of his parents’ address resulted in more cocaine worth more than £5,000 being recovered.”

Miss Masters said a search of Pink’s home resulted in more cocaine being recovered and in total around £8,500 of the Class A drug was seized.

The court heard how Pink’s father was not involved in his son’s drug dealing enterprise and was allowed to drive away after the car was searched.

The Northern Echo: John PinkJohn Pink (Image: Cleveland Police)

Pink, of Hollowfield, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug following his arrest on February 2 this year.

John Nixon, mitigating, said his client was forced to start dealing when he lost his job and racked up debts from his own personal use.

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He said Pink accepts full responsibility for the offending and his parents were not involved in any way whatsoever.

Judge Richard Bennett said: “It is rather sad and tragic that you have fallen prey to drug addiction which has resulted in you committing these offences.

“The quantity of drugs which adds up to £8,500 does aggravate your position.”

Pink was jailed for three years and eight months.