A MAN who was arrested and given bail for having drugs with intent to supply was caught with cocaine in a pub only hours later. Ricky Blackman, aged 36, of Cornish Grove, Penge, pleaded guilty to the offence and was jailed for four years at Croydon Crown Court on Friday.

Police raided Blackman's home on December 12 last year and found £5,495 worth of cocaine, £1,200 cash and a set of scales in his kitchen.

Blackman was not there at the time but was arrested when he surrendered himself to police. He was then released on bail. But hours later he was arrested again at the Goldsmiths Arms, in Penge, where he was found with a small amount of cocaine.

Daniel Lee, prosecuting, said it was estimated Blackman had made more than £17,000 from drug-dealing, although the court could only forfeit the £1,200 cash found at the house.

Blackman, who has several previous drug-related convictions, claimed the cocaine was for his own personal use and told officers he spent £36,000 a year on the drug. Ian Hender-son, defending, said Blackburn was anxious to kick the drug habit and had brought difficulties to himself and his family.

Judge Tim Joseph told Blackman: "You have a bad record for drug offences and you do not seem to have learnt your lesson. There is no question that you must go to prison for a substantial period of time."

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