THE wayward son of a former radio station presenter has been jailed for six years by a judge at Maidstone Crown Court for drug-dealing.

Craig Purvis was branded a “merchant of death” by Judge Andrew Patience, QC, after being convicted of possessing 100 Ecstasy tablets with intent to supply them.

The 29-year-old son of ex-Invicta FM DJ Terry Purvis was also caught with just over 8g of heroin and a small amount of cannabis.

Purvis admitted possessing the drugs but denied having them with intent to supply. He was convicted of possessing the Ecstasy with intent but cleared of possessing the heroin with intent.

Purvis failed to turn up for his trial in October 2001 and fled to Corfu where his father was then living. He returned in January.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, told Purvis, of Abbeyview Drive, Minster, Sheppey: “Those who sell Ecstasy tablets on the street are, in my judgement, merchants of death. Just one tablet can bring about death. We all know that."

Almost six years ago Craig Purvis was jailed for eight years over a terrifying incident in which he shot a gun through the window of a packed bar in Queenborough, Sheppey. He was cleared of attempted murder but convicted of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.