A drug dealer who claimed to have ‘banging deals’ has been locked up for for two years and 10 months.

Jay Christie, who wore a patch when photographed by police because he said his eye had been injured, has been jailed after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing crack cocaine and heroin with the intent to supply.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how officers stopped Christie, of Christie Close, Chatham, in December in a vehicle in Canterbury Street, Gillingham.

He was arrested for obstructing a police officer after refusing to open the car doors.

Christie, 22, was searched and a mobile phone was found which contained messages alluding to drug dealing, he was then further arrested on suspicion of dealing Class A drugs.

Following the arrest Christie claimed to have hurt his eye however no significant injury was found.

Police charged him with obstructing a drugs search and he was released and bailed to court.

Following further inquiries his phone was downloaded and was found to contain bulk text messages which read ‘YaYa back with the best local deliveries best of both!...banging deals!’

In February officers were on patrol in Goudhurst Road, Gillingham, and due to the new evidence they attempted to stop Christie in a vehicle. He was then seen trying to discard a mobile phone.

Officers arrested him and following a search he was found to have 17 wraps of cocaine and 60 wraps of heroin with a street value of more than £2,300 secreted on him.

Investigating officer DC Terry Hanlon said: "Christie was targeting vulnerable people in order to make money and I’m pleased we’ve been able to give him the best deal so far which is some time behind bars.

"If people suspect others of drug dealing or believes they are committing any criminal offences then I would encourage them to get in touch with us so we can ensure they are investigated."