A drug addict caught dealing crack cocaine has been jailed for more than three years – but released immediately.

The sentence was tailored so John Whiteman, from Rochester, would be let free because of time spent on remand and a tagged curfew.

A judge was told the 44-year-old could go and live in Margate after telling his lawyer: "I don’t want him anywhere near the Medway Towns."

Whiteman admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply, possessing drugs and driving without a licence and insurance.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he left his then home in Tupman Close on February 18, telling his support worker he was going to a medical centre.

Jo Cope, prosecuting, said Whiteman was seen on CCTV leaving a job centre at The Brook, Chatham, while talking on a mobile phone.

Officers then saw him in the Pentagon Centre in the town. When stopped for a drugs search, he said he had just "scored" and had a few wraps on him.

He added the dealer had been "serving up" to customers and told him he could buy what he had. He gave him £50 for some wraps.

Whiteman had a cigarette box containing crack cocaine down his trousers. He said he did not use the drug, but did take heroin.

Judge Philip Statman said Whiteman had a shocking record for acquisitive crime, mainly for burglary, associated with drug addiction.

He was jailed for five years in 2004 for burglary, but it was his first conviction for supplying drugs.

The judge told Whiteman: "Of all the people who come before the courts you more than anyone know the destructive effect crack cocaine has. It is one of the most dangerous drugs in the catalogue."

Because Whiteman had served 458 days on remand and was entitled to 102 days credit for being on a tagged curfew, he would be released despite being sentenced to three years and one month jail.