A DRUG dealer selling cocaine has avoided jail.

Andrew Shallcross, of Cross Lane, Middlewich, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, May 2, for sentencing on two charges.

The court heard the 28-year-old was caught dealing the class A drug in Haslington on November 9, 2021. He was also found to be in possession of class B drug cannabis on the same day.

Shallcross had initially pleaded guilty to possession of the cannabis on December 12 last year, before he admitted to the drug dealing charge on January 9.

Returning to the dock for sentencing, Judge Michael Leeming handed Shallcross a 22-month jail term, suspended for two years.

As part of the sentence, he must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within 12 months, and up to 20 rehabilitation activity days.

Shallcross was also ordered to attend better solutions structured intervention and creative positive connections intervention.

An order was also made for the forfeiture of the drugs and £600 in cash found during the course of the police investigation.

The money forfeited is to be used by the chief constable of Cheshire to benefit the community. 

Shallcross must also pay a surcharge of £156.