A man from Banbury has been jailed for five years for drugs offences.

Nicholas Townsend, 27, of Lambs Crescent, Banbury, pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court to possessing a class-A drug with intent to supply.

Townsend pleaded guilty on October 2 and was subsequently sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

PC David Brenchley, leading the investigation, said: “Following a police investigation and subsequent warrant carried out at Townsend’s property on July 30, we seized a substantial amount of cocaine and drug-related paraphernalia.

“The cocaine seized had a street value of approximately £50,000.

“Taking such a large amount of drugs off the streets has had a significant impact on the availability of class-A drugs in the Cherwell area and demonstrates our commitment to reducing not only this type of crime but those associated with it.

“I am pleased that Townsend was sentenced to custody following his guilty plea and he is now subject to an asset recovery investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act, where we will ensure any money he gathered as part of his activities will be stripped from him.

“Anyone considering supplying illegal drugs should look at the sentence given to Townsend, as well as the fact the court can force you to pay all the money involved in the supply of drugs to the court, not just the profits. Failing to pay this money can lead to more prison time.”

Det Insp Steve Duffy added: “Drugs and drug dealing are often inseparable from other criminality and by disrupting local drug dealing and supply networks, we hope to make a positive impact on the local community.”

Anyone with information surrounding the importation or supply of drugs is urged to contact Thames Valley Police via the 24-hour non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to talk to the police you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.