A DRUG-dealing duo who hid thousands of pounds worth of cocaine at the funeral parlour where they worked have avoided jail.

Kevin Mazey and James Robertson admitting stashing away the Class A drugs in cars and lockers at the Co-op Funeralcare premises in Cowley. 

The employees of Mid Counties Co-operative Funeralcare were caught by police when they raided the funeral home on February 27, 2014, Oxford Crown Court heard on Thursday.

Around 57g of cocaine - with a street value of about £2,600 - was found at the undertakers where they were both arrested.

Mazey, 30, who was also found with cannabis in his possession, confessed his part in the commercial supply of cocaine, during a police interview.

His lawer, Jane Malcolm, told a judge at Oxford Crown Court how it was Robertson who supplied the drugs to him, and described Mazey as an "honest" family man with two young sons.

She said: "He gave police information about where he got the drugs from. He said it was because of his colleague Robertson who approached him and got the drugs. 

"I cannot seek to say he was coerced or pressured but in my submission it was Robertson who sold the drugs to Mazey.

"He was a hardworking, honest family man."

Prosecutor Adrian Fleming said the pair committed the offences for financial gain and were working together to supply the cocaine.

He told the court how police found large quantities of cocaine and cannabis in the funeral home and inside both of the defendants' cars during the raid.

Lawyer James Burke told the court how his client Robertson had suffered from serious mental health issues, including suicide and depression, since he was 13 years old.

He said the 26-year-old, of Ginge Close, Abingdon, had taken up supported accommodation in Witney while he battled his addiction to a cocktail of drugs including steroids.

Mr Burke said it was his addiction to the muscle-building steroids while at the gym which drove him to start selling drugs.

The court then heard how Robertson was sectioned under the Mental Health Act because of his battle with depression.

Summing up, Judge Zoe Smith said: "This court sees, on a regular basis, people whose lives are ruined by drug addiction.

"Mazey you were, I am told, a hard working man and you saw an opportunity to make a financial gain. You have much to lose with a partner and two young sons and the thought of going into custody is quite terrifying for you.

"Robertson, you have quite serious issues which mean you are in receipt of accommodation through Response in Witney."

Handing Mazey, of Elmwood Close in Aylesbury, Bucks, a two-year suspended sentence, she said: "You have got yourself a new job. You made full and frank admissions to the police. Having read what I have about you I do not think you will involve yourself in this again in the future."

Turning to Robertson she said: "I do not think it is in the public interest to lose the mental health support and accommodation you have and having given thought I will make a special exception."

They were both given a sentence of two years suspended for two years. 

She also ordered Mazey to pay £250 towards the costs through a collection order, but did not order any costs against Robertson.

It is understood both men have been dismissed from the firm.