A JUDGE has jailed a grieving Worcester man for three-and-a-half years for turning a blind eye to his flatmate's drug deals.

Detectives found heroin, nearly £6,000 in cash and a radio scanner tuned to a police frequency when they raided Philip Jones' flat.

The lounge was full of people and there was resistance as officers first tried to execute the search warrant, said Catherine Spedding, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

Almost £1,000 was scattered on the floor with drug peddling equipment such as scales, transparent film and torn-up paper which could be used for wraps.

Jones, of Avon Road, Tolladine, was convicted in May of aiding and abetting the supply of heroin.

The 37-year-old, whose father died on Monday, was in tears as he left the dock yesterday.

Miss Spedding said another man had been staying at the flat.

Jones claimed he knew nothing of drug dealing which had been taking place. The other man had fled to Spain and was currently awaiting extradition to face trial.

Peter Arnold, defending, said Jones had been a drug addict and over-user of alcohol for many years and had mixed in a circle with like-minded people, who had met at his home.

"This man seems to have spent his life in a haze of drugs and alcohol and would not have the awareness to amass £6,000 in cash," he said.

He described Jones as a "unhappy and pathetic man" who had turned a blind eye to what had been happening in his house.

Judge Michael Mott said Jones had been involved with drugs for years and previous court penalties, including probation and a conditional discharge, had not worked.

"The chickens have well and truly come home to roost," said the judge.

"You were not a main player but you allowed your home to be used as a safe house for drug dealing."