A drug dealer who was supplying his own mum was found with almost £4,000 worth of heroin in a car.
James West, 22, was discovered in possession of the Class A substance on April 19, 2020.
West was a passenger in a car at the time, which was being driven by his co-accused, Travis Dickinson, who was also found to be in possession of heroin.
Both men appeared at Durham Crown Court on February 15 to be sentenced, Chronicle Live reports.
West pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. Dickinson pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug at the hearing.
The court heard that patrolling police officers pulled over a blue Volkswagen Golf, which contained the two defendants, and had no registered keeper.
When the men were searched, West was found with one bag of heroin in his hand, and 13 wraps in his jogging bottoms.
A mobile phone that was also found, contained messages relating to drug dealing, with some referencing "Big Trav".
Dickinson told the officers he was also in possession of heroin and was "quick to tell police where they were".
Five wraps of heroin were found in his shorts pocket and a "number of debit cards" that belonged to other people were also found in the car.
The court heard that West was in possession of 38.2g of heroin, which was of 15% purity and also contained "caffeine and paracetamol".
West, of Malone Gardens, Birtley, also had 12 further wraps, totalling just over 18g of heroin.
A drug expert estimated the potential street value as being £3,820.
Dickinson, who had a previous conviction for possession of cocaine, was found with 6.97g of heroin in five packages.
During mitigation, a relative of West said he had previously been homeless and was a talented boxer in his youth.
She said he later moved to Scotland to be with his mum, who is battling a drug addiction.
She added that West has recently gained employment and is training to be a plasterer.
The court was told West also had a "drugs debt" himself and was "supplying" his own mum with drugs around the time of the offence.
Dickinson, who appeared to be "intoxicated" during the hearing, was sentenced in his absence after the judge told him to leave the courtroom for talking.
Dickinson was given a 12 month conditional discharge for the possession offence.
Sentencing West, Judge Ray Singh said he was found with a "significant quantity" of drugs and was "supplying individuals at the time".
He added that West had also been supplying his mum and "charging her for drugs".
West was jailed for 27 months.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
