A 32-year-old Shrewsbury man, who is a father of one, was today sentenced to eight years in jail after admitting to drug dealing and firearms offences.

David Thomas, of Racecourse Avenue, Monkmoor, admitted possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, supplying a quantity of cocaine, possessing a prohibited firearm and possessing criminal property, which was £1,790 in cash.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard how police raided Thomas’s home on March 26 and discovered large quantities of cash in a safe in his bedroom, along with what was believed to be a drug dealer’s note book.

Mr Daniel White, prosecuting, said officers also uncovered knuckle dusters, a meat cleaver, a baton and a kitchen knife in the property.

Outside, they found 501g of cocaine stashed in a barbecue and a handgun and cartridges hidden under a patio.

Mr White said Thomas told police he had found the drugs in Monkmoor and the firearm and ammunition in a park.

“He kept the drugs to try to make some money for his unborn child,” said Mr White.

“He tried the cocaine himself. He did go on to sell the cocaine to friends and friends of his friends. He thinks he made about £1,500.”

Mr Ian Durant, for Thomas, said: “He is fully aware that his sentence will be years. He realises that for a substantial time he will miss his young daughter’s birthdays.

“He’s a lucky man in one sense – his partner is standing by him.”

Judge Onions sentenced Thomas to eight years’ imprisonment of which he will serve half before being released on licence.