A cocaine dealer was foiled thanks to evidence found on his drug-dealing phone which he had also used to take photos and book a visit to a steakhouse.

Simon Thorpe, 34, from Tonbridge, has been jailed for more than three years.

Thorpe was arrested in Thomas Road, Aylesford on February 2 on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, as part of a network known as “Dave”.

A search of his address led to the seizure of a phone and a kilogram of cannabis, with an estimated street value of £3,000 to £4,000.

Analysis of the phone led to the discovery of family photos, messages to more than 300 drug users and a restaurant booking.

As a result of his visit to the Sevenoaks steakhouse, police subsequently spotted him on CCTV.

In addition, his attendance to the restaurant booking made on the drug-dealing phone enabled officers to secure charges against him of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Thorpe, of Eccles Close, Aylesford, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on February 3.

He was remanded in custody before being sentenced to three years’ two months’ imprisonment on August 5 at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigating officer, PC James O’Gorman, said: “Throughout the investigation, the offender demonstrated little remorse for the impact of his actions on the local community and the lives of the vulnerable substance users he took advantage of.

“Thorpe acted in consideration only of his own financial gain but crime does not pay.

“He will spend the next few years behind bars instead of enjoying his ill-gotten earnings.”