When the police searched drug dealer Dean Horton's dustbins they found discarded packages with traces of cocaine on them and drinking straws with cocaine and his DNA.

Despite the evidence, Horton, who had more than £23,000 in cash in the boot of his Ferrari Spyder when he was arrested, denied having anything to do with selling the drug.

The 32-year-old, of Ariel Way, Wychbold, pleaded not guilty to three charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine between September 2003 and September last year and possessing amphetamine with intent to supply.

But he was found guilty of all four charges by a jury at Warwick Crown Court, and was also convicted of possessing cocaine, which he had originally denied, but then admitted during his trial.

Prosecutor Malcolm Morse had told the jury: "The evidence of Horton handing over drugs to a customer will not appear in this case. That does not mean he was not doing it, but that he was doing it at places and times when the police were not able to see.

"But even the most cautious person can have chinks, and the police decided to have a look at his rubbish."

By arrangement with the local authority, on a number of dates in 2003 Horton's rubbish bags were not taken to the tip, but to the police station where they were searched.

In September 2003 two freezer bags and a carrier bag were taken from the bin and a forensic analysis showed traces of cocaine. Other searches revealed the dealer's lists of contacts.

In November and December the police found cut-down drinking straws, which had traces of cocaine on the inside, and Horton's DNA on the outside, as well as another freezer bag in December with traces of cocaine in it.

In September last year Horton was stopped while he was driving a Ferrari Spyder in Hall Green, Birmingham, and in the boot was a holdall containing a total of £23,135 in cash. At his home the police found traces of cocaine.

And in the bedroom they found a bag containing two blocks of amphetamine powder weighing 837 and 834 grammes, and some parcel tape with traces of cocaine on it.

Horton claimed he had 'tried cocaine once at a party ages ago' and had had nothing to do with the drug since then, but that someone who house-sat for him had taken cocaine there. He added that he worked in a gym and as a graphic designer, but also sold cars and could make £1,000 on a sale.

There will also be an investigation into Horton's finances, with a view to a confiscation order being made, and he was remanded in custody.