A NEWPORT cocaine dealer was jailed for nearly five years after being caught with the drug in the city.

At Cardiff Crown Court, Callum Pugsley, aged 21, of Monnow Way, Bettws, pleaded guilty to possessing the class A drug and cannabis with intent to supply.

The offences were committed in the Malpas area in January 2018.

Pugsley had initially denied the offences and a trial was due to start this week.

But the defendant admitted the charges and was jailed for four years and eight months by Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke.

It was said in mitigation that Pugsley had eventually pleaded guilty.

Outside the court, Police Constable Shaf Khan, Gwent Police’s officer in the case, said: “At approximately 9.30pm on 9th January 2018, Callum Pugsley was detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act near to the shops on Russell Drive, Malpas.

“He was found to be in possession of a large amount of class A and B controlled drugs and was arrested.

“Pugsley has now been sentenced to a total of four years and eight months imprisonment.”