'Jail's the best place for me' says Darlington drug dealer Iyub Khan

A DEALER who has been busted twice with Class A drugs was warned he faces a seven-year prison sentence if he is caught again.

Iyub Khan, 33, tried to flee from police in Darlington and threw away 60 packages of cocaine as he ran through the streets.

The bagged powder - worth as much as £9,000 - was recovered and Khan was caught and arrested, Teesside Crown Court was told.

He was jailed for two years and nine months after he admitted possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply in September.

Judge Michael Taylor heard how he got a four-and-a-half-year sentence in 2001, and described his previous offending as "worrying".

He said: "You know now that if you commit an offence such as this again, the starting point will be seven years' imprisonment.

"You were clearly playing a significant role as a street dealer on this occasion . . . It may well be because you had drug debts."

The court heard how police in an unmarked car tried to stop Khan in his Volkswagen Golf in Teal Road, but he took off at high speed.

Prosecutor Jenny Haigh said Khan jumped from the vehicle after a short pursuit and ran off throwing bags of drugs to the ground.

Yvonne Taylor, mitigating, said he suffered from medical problems, and held down a good job despite having difficulties with drugs.

Miss Taylor said: "He would on his release wish to continue in employment and doesn't see his health condition standing in his way.

"Effectively, what has happened here is having had a drug problem in the past, he went into a downward spiral again.

"He appreciates his lifestyle has not helped his condition. He realises the effect his offending has had on his family and others.

"In his own words today, he knows it is a custodial sentence and he says that, perhaps, it's the best place to be to get help."

The court heard how letters to the judge had been written by his long- term partner - who is standing by him - and his daughter.

Khan, of Darlington, was told by Judge Taylor: "I take into account your work record and your health problems.

"You could hardly complain if I went to the upper end of the range of seven-and-a-half years because of your previous conviction."