A dealer who was caught by police with drugs in his hand has been jailed.

Plain clothes officers on patrol in Maidstone in December last year when they spotted known drug users gathering outside an address in Boxley Road.

Peter Mills, 43, was seen to leave the property with his left hand in the front pocket of his hooded top.

The officers stopped him and found he had heroin in his clenched fist.

A search of his pockets found 30 more quantities of the drug in plastic bags and Mills was arrested.

A search of the address he had just left found a mobile phone that was constantly ringing with callers asking for drugs.

The seized drugs were later analysed and confirmed to be heroin with a street value of up to £560.

When interviewed, Mills denied dealing drugs and could not explain the numerous calls to his phone.

He was later charged with possession of heroin with intent to supply.

Mills pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, May 29 and was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

Chief Inspector Mark Hedges said: "This local man has received a prison sentence for bringing misery to the most vulnerable in our communities.

"My officers are vigilant and will spot drug dealing on the streets and from private addresses.

"They will not hesitate to stop and search anybody they suspect to be concerned in the supply of heroin or crack cocaine."