A Reading drug dealer who tried to hide behind a parked car in a bid to avoid arrest has been jailed for more than two years.

James Bensley, aged 36, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply heroin, one count of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, one count of acquiring criminal property and one count of possession of cannabis in a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Friday.

At around 9.30pm on Thursday, August 8, Bensley attempted to hide from police in Gower Street behind a parked car.

He ran away and was detained nearby and found to have discarded a large amount of class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine).

Reading Chronicle:

He was also in possession of cash – the proceeds of drug dealing – and a small amount of cannabis.

He was arrested and subsequently charged the following day.

After entering guilty pleas to all four crimes, Bensley was sentenced to a total of two years and two months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer PC Katie Poole of the Reading Stronghold team said: “We will continue to tackle the illegal supply of drugs in Reading, which is a top priority for Thames Valley Police through our Stronghold campaign.

“Drug dealing in Reading and the rest of the Thames Valley will never be tolerated, and this sentence removes another dealer from our streets.

“I would urge anybody who is aware of drug dealing in our community to report this via the non-emergency 101 number or online.

“You can also make reports 100% anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”