A man who threw away packets of heroin and cocaine while being chased by police has been jailed for four years for possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Joseph Valentine, 41, was living at Barton Road, Dover, at the time when he was arrested on suspicion of supplying and possessing class A drugs after under cover officers bought heroin and crack cocaine from various dealers in the town during 2007.

Valentine went on trial at Canterbury Crown Court and denied six charges of being concerned in the supply and two offences of possession with intent last October.

He was cleared on the supply charges but convicted of possession in August and sentence was adjourned for reports.

He appeared for sentence on Friday and was told by Judge Anthony Webb that on evidence he had heard, he concluded Valentine had come to Dover to supply drugs and messages retrieved from mobile phones in Valentine’s possession confirmed it.

Valentine was seen to throw drugs away as he was chased by police in an area of Dover known to be the haunt of dealers and users.

Officers recovered 44 deals of heroin containing 6.03g of the drug and 7.99g of crack cocaine in 29 packages.

When arrested Valentine said nothing and did not give evidence at his trial.

His lawyer, Ian Wheatley, said when Valentine’s premises were searched, no drugs paraphernalia was found in either his room or his vehicle.

He did not lead a life of crime and there was no evidence of him dealing to others on a persistent basis.

He said Valentine weakened to the opportunity to sell these drugs but they were modest amounts.

Judge Webb directed 316 days served on remand count towards Valentine’s sentence and recommended him for deportation.