A drug dealer from Saffron Walden who splashed out on expensive shoes and clothes tried to get his mother to take the blame after police found cocaine in his car.

Liam Coles, 27, was found in bed when officers executed a warrant at his home in Byrds Farm Lane, Saffron Walden in January this year.

Uttlesford Community Policing Team had been building a case against him in response to intelligence linking him to drug dealing in the area.

Liam ColesLiam Coles (Image: Essex Police) A car parked on the driveway of the property was identified as a vehicle which had failed to stop for police in the area a few nights previously.

After suspicions were raised, the vehicle was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act and a packet of white powder was uncovered.

The substance was later tested and found to be 180g of cocaine.

A police dog then carried out a further search and uncovered cannabis in the vehicle.

A set of electronic scales covered in white powder and a large sum of cash were also found inside.

In the boot of the car, police found a large quantity of small plastic bags - typically used to package drugs.

Cash seized at the addressCash seized at the address (Image: Essex Police) As a result of the discovery, Coles was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Cole responded by turning to his mother and asking if the drugs belonged to her, before saying "Go on, take the rap for me".

These comments were key in identifying Coles as the owner of the vehicle.

A further large sum of cash, estimated to be around £36,000, was recovered from a safe.

High value items, including a Rolex watch, designer trainers, bags and clothes, were also seized.

Coles refused to answer questions when interviewed but, due to the weight of evidence against him, later admitted charges of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs, as well as acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

Appearing for sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, October 21, he was sentenced to four years and 10 months' imprisonment.

Essex Police are pursuing under the Proceeds of Crime Act to confiscate and recover any of his criminal gains.

Inspector Philip Jackson, of the Uttlesford Community Policing Team, said: "Drug offences impact communities and fuel wider offending, so intelligence from the public is vital to direct resources where they need to go.

"Community intelligence is often the missing piece of the puzzle so please report any information, even if it appears to be minor, so we know what’s happening in your communities.

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"Without intelligence from the public warrants like these are not possible, so we thank our communities for their support and assistance.

"When we have a clear intelligence picture we will take robust enforcement action to arrest offenders and take cash, drugs and suspects off the streets."

Information about suspected criminal activity can be reported to Essex Police by filling out the contact form on their website or calling the non-emergency number 101, or 999 in an emergency.