A DRUG dealer was so anxious about going to prison he managed to leave his bag of possessions on a train on his way to be sentenced, a court heard.

Hapless James Eskins, 29, was jailed for 27 months at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of both ecstasy and cocaine.

The court heard that officers arrived at Eskins' home on Blue Hill Avenue, Little Hulton, on August 4, 2018, but the defendant refused to come to the door.

An 'enforcer' battering ram was used to put a hole in the door and officers gained entry where they found Eskins in the kitchen attempting to dispose of some cannabis.

He was arrested and taken into custody in Swinton Police Station and a search of the property revealed scales, snap bags, a list of customer names, benzocaine, which is often used as a mixing agent, and 316 grams of cannabis worth an estimated £3,160.

Mobile phones were seized which revealed messages that implied Eskins was also involved in the supply of Class A drugs with texts read out in court from customers asking about "madge", "sniff" and "flake".

Eskins, who had one previous reprimand for possessing cannabis, claimed he had been set up, but Rachel Widdicombe, prosecuting, said he played "a significant role" in a street dealing operation.

Michael Lea, defending, said his client had "faced up to his actions" but remained so anxious about serving time in prison he had left his bag on the train that morning.

Sentencing Eskins to 27 months in total for both offences, Judge Timothy Smith, said: "These are your first offences, but they are serious offences and must be dealt with seriously."