A grandfather who was caught dealing a large amount of heroin while armed with a knife has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Michael Dunn, of a caravan site in Windmill Lane, West Malling, had £2,760 worth of the drug he was delivering to a house.

He denied possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply but was convicted on Thursday by a jury.

He admitted possessing a bladed article, a lock knife.

He was caught after plain-clothed officers were carrying out a search at an address in Woollett Street in Maidstone in connection with the supply of drugs in November 2016.

One of them answered a knock at the door to find Dunn, who appeared startled and immediately ran off towards County Road.

He was pursued by the officer and was seen to roll a package on the floor.

He was arrested in connection with the supply of drugs and when searched was found to be carrying a lock knife in his trouser pocket and £700.

The package Dunn had discarded was recovered and when examined found to be a plastic bag containing 27.6 grams of heroin. This had an estimated street value of up to £2,760.

Keith Yardy, defending, said the 45-year-old was a family man who was about to become a grandfather again that day.

“There was no intention to use the knife violently,” he said.

“He had it in his possession by his own negligence.

“What is significant is he doesn’t have any offending on his record of this nature and has been out of trouble for some time. It has been an extremely anxious time for him.”

Passing sentence, Recorder Sarah Elliott QC told Dunn: “It is said you had a significant role. You were dealing these drugs for financial gain, attending homes of known addicts.

“No doubt the sentence I pass will weigh heavily on your family, as it will on you.

"I take the view your having a knife was an intrinsic part of carrying these drugs.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hedges said: "This was a large amount of heroin in the possession of a drug dealer who came to Maidstone also armed with a lethal weapon.

"When he called at the address he will no doubt have been extremely surprised when the door was answered by one of my officers.

"A lengthy spell in prison will protect the public from this individual and will send out the message to drug dealers that my officers can appear when least expected and bring them swiftly to justice."