A drug dealer who was stopped by a neighbourhood policing officer has been jailed at Northampton Crown Court.

A statement released by Northamptonshire Police said: “At about 10.40pm on July 25 this year, PC Joshua Unsworth was conducting foot patrols when he came across 24-year-old Deon St Vie.

“PC Unsworth detained St Vie for a stop search under Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act and found a large quantity of cash on him.

“During the course of his arrest, St Vie attempted to make off but was detained a very short time later.

“He was subsequently charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and one count of obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of their duty.

“St Vie, previously of Knox Road, Wellingborough, appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court in March where he pleaded guilty to all three offences.

“On October 14, he appeared at Northampton Crown Court where he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison,” the statement said.

PC Josh Unsworth said: “This result demonstrates the value of proactive neighbourhood policing and the difference that regular patrols can make in our communities. What began as a routine stop search led to the disruption of a drug dealer who was intent on supplying harmful Class A drugs in Wellingborough.

“Illegal drugs cause significant harm to individuals, families and the wider community, and we remain committed to identifying those involved in their supply and bringing them before the courts. I hope this sentence reassures residents that we will continue to take robust action against people who seek to profit from criminality in our neighbourhoods.”