A heroin dealer who hid his stash inside a Kinder Egg in his pants has been jailed for more than two years.

Matthew Ellen-Cooper, of Summerfield Road, Tonbridge, attempted to conceal the drugs after a car he was travelling in was stopped by police last month.

The vehicle was searched in Sandhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, following reports of suspicious activity. Ellen was seen by officers trying to adjust his clothing with his hands in his groin area.

As the 32-year-old, formerly of High Brooms Road, Tunbridge Wells, was being strip searched at the police station he pulled the yellow plastic chocolate egg container from his underwear, telling officers: “OK, here you go. There’s loads of heroin. I use it but I sell it.”

Fifty-seven wraps containing a total of six grams of heroin, valued at just under £600, were concealed inside.

During interview he said he sold drugs to support his own crack cocaine habit but claimed he was ‘a runner’ and arranged deals on behalf of someone else. He wasn’t paid in cash but was rewarded with drugs.

“OK, here you go. There’s loads of heroin. I use it but I sell it.” — Matthew Ellen-Cooper

The father-of-two, who had been a keen footballer and boxer, said he was selling the drug to support his crack cocaine habit. His only other form of income was from benefits.

Simon Taylor, defending, said the former bricklayer had been addicted to drugs for most of his adult life. He became hooked after a car crash in which a cousin was killed.

“He has wasted his adult life,” said Mr Taylor. “He has been no real role model for his children, aged 13 and two. He is now on a drug-free wing and there is a chink of light.”

At Maidstone Crown Court Ellen was sentenced to two years and four months in prison having previously admitted possessing the class A substance with intent to supply.

Passing sentence, Recorder Marie-Claire Bleasedale said: “It is always surprising me to have to sentence someone whose life is blighted by Class A drugs for supplying them to other people.

“We have to deal severely with people who supply drugs because of wasted lives. You know what you are doing. You can make choices despite that terrible addiction.

“When I sentence you I think of the parents of children who become addicted to drugs and lose their future because of the activities you are engaging in.”

Chf Insp Dave Pate said: "Over the past few years we have been working relentlessly to tackle both the misuse and supply of drugs in this town.

"Our officers have extensive knowledge of known users and also the criminals who attempt to operate within our communities and this is really crucial in enabling us to identify and stop people like Ellen.

"The support we receive from residents continues to be so important, so please remember to report anything that may seem suspicious. Your help and information is invaluable and ensures Tunbridge Wells remains a safe place to live."