A DRUG dealer who tried to run away from police was jailed yesterday at Oxford Crown Court.

Brandon Morris, of no fixed address, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison after he was caught with drugs and a knife on November 5 this year.

Cathy Olliver, prosecuting, said the 23-year-old was spotted in the centre of Oxford “behaving suspiciously” so police officers approached him in Speedwell Street.

Miss Olliver said the suspect then started running away and headed towards Friar’s Wharf, where he was tackled to the ground.

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She said he was carrying 6.96g of crack cocaine in 51 wraps and 4.54g of heroin in 38 wraps, as well as a knife with a three-inch blade and £390 cash.

Morris admitted two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place.

Claire Fraser, defending, said her client was released from prison seven months ago for other drugs offences and had stayed out of trouble until recently.

She told Judge Ian Pringle that Morris needed money to support his three-year-old child and added: “He was approached by a group who asked if he would sell drugs for them in return for payment.”

Judge Pringle jailed Morris and told him these were “exactly similar offences” to those he had committed before.

He will also have to pay a £120 victims’ surcharge.

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