A male pole dancer who competed on the national stage slid into crime after dealing in drugs.

Acrobatic Moses Fapohunda claimed he needed the cash to pay off family debts.

But a court heard that instead of using the money for selling cannabis to reduce the amount owed, the pensions administrator invested in selling Class A drug ecstasy.

The decision landed the 26-year-old former university student –who took part in Mr Pole Dance 2010 - in court, where he was handed a two-and-a-half-year sentence.

Fapohunda, of Beaconsfield Road, Canterbury, had pleaded guilty to dealing in both Class A and B drugs in November last year.

"He is an intelligent and ordinarily responsible young man..." - Kerry Waitt, defending

Prosecutor Nina Ellin told Canterbury Crown Court how he was spotted selling cannabis in Beverley Park in the city by an off-duty police officer.

That led to the highly qualified Fapohunda – whose degree was in insurance risk management – having his home raided and the discovery of 300 ecstasy tablets, with a street value of an estimated £3,000.

Kerry Waitt, defending, said Fapohunda was “an intelligent and ordinarily responsible young man” who had the support of a caring and supportive network of family and friends.

He said he had offered to get loans for family members who unfortunately could not afford to keep up with the payments.

“This defendant found himself in financial difficulties not of his own making and profligacy but because he had assisted other family members,” Mr Waitt said.

“His embarrassment and shame was all the more acute because he works in an industry connected with financial services.”

Judge Heather Norton told Fapohunda that the appearance in courts of drug dealers was not unusual.

She added: “What is unusual is having somebody in the dock charged with these offences who comes from a background with supportive family and friends and colleagues, in a good job, with a good social life and an excellent future ahead of them.”