Man jailed for 9 years after admitting having around £50,000 worth of heroin for sale

A man’s been jailed for nine years after admitting having around £50,000 worth of heroin for sale.

Michael David Nelson of Waterloo Road in Ramsey appeared before Deemster Richmond at the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.

The 49 year old pleaded guilty to possessing the class A drug with intent to supply it, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

The court heard Nelson had been struggling with heroin addiction for 30 years and had previous drugs convictions.

He tried to evade police by driving off after officers found 207 grammes of heroin - defence advocate David Reynolds told the hearing Nelson had been selling the drugs to pay off a debt to other dealers.

Deemster Richmond said Nelson’s experience of drug use should have made him realise heroin was a 'pernicious' and 'life-altering' drug.

He jailed him for a total of nine years, and banned him from driving for 10 years, saying "try to spend some of your time getting your head straight in prison".