A MAN who was caught trying to sell ecstasy tablets at a Hereford nightclub has been sent to prison for three years.

Christopher Watkins, aged 29, appeared at Worcester Crown Court after admitting possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Roland Hopkins, prosecuting, said Watkins, of Elmdale, Hereford, was caught with 209 pills in the Jailhouse nightclub. “He had been monitored by staff and suspected of dealing in drugs,” he said. “Door staff apprehended him and found a container of tablets.” Police were called and Watkins was taken for questioning, where two more containers of drugs in containers were found in his underwear.

Mr Hopkins added: “Mr Watkins told police he had gone to the club to have a good time and intended to sell the tablets for £10. He would not say who provided them to him.” He added that Watkins had 29 previous convictions, but only one drug-related in 1998, for possession of drugs.

Ian Ball, defending, said his client had a long criminal record, mainly for acquisitive crime and knew that he faced jail for this offence and accepted this.

He said: “He said he needs to go to jail to sort out his head.” Mr Ball added that Watkins had problems with alcohol and had been turning his life around but financial pressures had made him turn to selling ecstasy.

“He has cracked as he has had too much pressure with financial burdens,” Mr Ball said.