A drug dealer caught with hundreds of pounds worth of heroin and crack cocaine has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Tony Hewlett had almost £1,000 worth of the drugs when he was arrested by police in February 2010.

The 39-year-old had 25 deals of crack cocaine worth between £250 and £340 and 38 wraps of heroin worth £570.

Hewlett denied he was involved in selling the hard drugs but was convicted by a jury earlier this year.

The court heard he was selling the drugs not only to fund his own habit but also to make a living. As well as the drugs police also recovered £1,150 when they carried out searches following his arrest.

Hewlett, of Ashmead Court, Trowbridge, pleaded not guilty to two counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply but was convicted after a trial at Swindon crown court.

He admitted having amphetamines worth between £5 and £10 at the time he was arrested.

The court heard that he was jailed for three years in 2000 for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession with intent to supply.

James Cranfield, defending, said a psychiatric report had been prepared for the court investigating his early life which led to his drug use. Since he had been remanded in custody he said his client had tried to improve his life, staying off drugs for five months and doing catering courses.

Jailing him Judge Douglas Field said: “These are serious offences and it is aggravated by the fact that you received a prison sentence for doing exactly the same thing albeit some years ago.

“You are due to receive a very substantial prison sentence but I am impressed by the attitude you have taken since you have been in custody.”