A DRUG dealer who was saving for a family home has been jailed for more than three years after over 400 MDMA tablets were found in his garden shed, a court heard.

Dean Gannon, of Well Lane near Witney, had been dealing cannabis for 14 months in a bid to save up £30,000 for a deposit on a house.

But on July 14 last year, the 49-year-old’s home was searched and officers discovered not only 1.6 kilos of cannabis but also 404 MDMA tablets, three ounces of cannabis resin and £25,000 in cash.

Defending at Oxford Crown Court, Claire Fraser said: “As far as the MDMA is concerned Mr Gannon states that was a one-off incident and he intended to supply it to a friend.

“He had been supplying cannabis for approximately 14 months with the purpose of saving for a mortgage.

“His main concerns about the length of the sentence is the lack of contact he will have with his children, he currently plays a significant role in their life.”

Gannon admitted one count of possessing with intent to supply MDMA, one count of possession of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to supply cannabis and one count of possession with intent to supply cannabis resin.

He was handed a three-and-a-half year sentence for possession with intent to supply MDMA, and two 12 month sentences to run concurrently for the possession of cannabis and cannabis resin.

He was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday 24 March 2017.

Investigating Officer, Sgt Elizabeth Bell of Eynsham Neighbourhood policing team, said: “The quantities of drugs and cash found by police on the execution of the drugs warrant show that Gannon was making a good living from dealing Class A and B drugs to the local community.

“His activity was lowering the quality of life of people in the local community and causing distress to many. “Drug Supply is an important issue and Thames Valley Police in West Oxfordshire are committed to reducing crime especially drug related offences.

“If you have concerns about drug dealing or use in your local area then your Local Neighbourhood Teams can be contacted through 101 or information about drug use and dealing can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”