A DRUG dealer was caught carrying his stock through North Yorkshire during the first Covid lockdown.

Jack Potter was arrested on May 19, 2020, when under the stay-at-home rule people could only leave their homes for four reasons - none of which included drug dealing.

Prosecution barrister Victoria Hajba-Ward told York Crown Court police pulled over Potter's Ford Fiesta on the A64 near Tadcaster at 5.30pm that day.

They suspected him of drug dealing.

He told them he had cannabis on him and under the near passenger seat.

Police found several zip bags containing skunk cannabis and confiscated his mobile phone.

On it, they found a “large number” of text messages from his customers asking for drugs.

Defence barrister Jo Shepherd said Potter himself was a drug user and was trying to pay off a £1,300 drug debt.

Potter, now 26, of Haigh Moor Road, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply it to others.

He had no previous convictions.

He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months on condition he does 20 days’ rehabilitative activities and 200 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also pay £350 prosecution costs.

“I am satisfied this was a one off,” said Recorder Andrew Smith. “You have learnt your lesson.”

Ms Hajba-Ward said Potter was in the westbound carriageway when police pulled him over.

As well as the bagged cannabis, officers found a joint of cannabis.

In total Potter had 24.173 grams of cannabis in his car, almost all of which was skunk cannabis. Altogether it was worth between £175 and £245.

The court heard one of the bags containing cannabis had a note on it saying “to pay off my drug debt”.

Ms Shepherd said Potter had been 24 when he was stopped and hadn’t understood that he would never be able to pay off his drug debt by dealing for his dealers.

He had been too embarrassed and naïve to seek help from his parents but had now done so and the debt had been paid off.

He was now working in the construction industry, Ms Shepherd added.