A drug dealer who set up a “mobile delivery service” has walked free from court because of his age and ill-health.

Former Avon driver Alan Hale, 64, was told by a judge: “Quite plainly, you have become a professional drug dealer.

“This sort of offending which takes places in the Medway Towns has to be stamped out.”

Hale, of Burma Way, Wayfield, Chatham, was sentenced to 15 months suspended for two years after denying possessing drugs with intent to supply but being convicted.

Hale was ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work and he will be under a curfew from 7pm to 6am for a year.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Hale aroused the suspicion of police officers when he was spotted taking boxes into a house in Carnation Road, Strood, on October 3 last year.

Allister Walker, prosecuting, said Hale, described as “a hippy type character”, appeared to be selling counterfeit clothes to the occupants.

His car was searched and 21 grams of skunk cannabis was seized from the passenger footwell. In the driver’s footwell was £9,600 in cash.

His then home in High Street, Strood, was searched and 26.8 grams of the drug was found in a kitchen cupboard and a nine ounce bar of cannabis was under a bed. There was also another £600 in cash.

Mr Walker said there was a “tick list” in a book indicating money owed to him and text messages on his phone, which was clear evidence of dealing.

Judge Martin Joy said Hale had been convicted on overwhelming evidence.

“The fact is you have become a drug dealer and the public despises those who deal in drugs and expects the courts to impose serious punishment.

“It is because it is a scourge on society and undermines the good order of society.

“It creates crime, it fuels crime. It undermines people’s self-respect and self-esteem.

“It is an utterly degrading habit.”

Hale, he said, was using clothing as a cover for his drug business. It was plain the cash found was working capital.

“You were doing a healthy business dealing in drugs,” he added.

Judge Joy said the cash and car would be forfeited.