A COCAINE dealer has been sent to the crown court after he was caught with drugs in his pocket.

Samuel Eric Juckes admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Prosecutor Mark Hambling said police had stopped and searched Juckes on October 5, finding plastic bags containing 22 wraps of cocaine in the pocket of his hoodie.

A search was then carried out at his home, with officers finding £280 in cash in his bedroom and an iPhone, which was seized.

In total, Mr Hambling said, 8.34 grams of cocaine was seized.

Text messages on the phone indicated Juckes had been dealing cocaine.

"We would say this is a significant role, as the texts indicate he had some control over what he was doing and that he was selling direct to the users," Mr Hambling said.

"It is not a complicated matter, but it should go to the crown court."

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Marilena Di Vitantonio, for 22-year-old Juckes, said she agreed the magistrates' sentencing powers were insufficient for the case.

A pre-sentencing report was ordered to be carried out by probation and Juckes, of Wellbrook Close, Hereford, will appear before Worcester Crown Court for sentencing on July 15.