A 23 year-old drug dealer has been jailed for four years by Deemster Doyle.

Juan Robert Mitchell of Albert Street, Douglas admitted possessing ecstasy, diazepam and cannabis resin.

He was arrested on June 5 after police stopped a car in which he was a passenger.

Police found a bag under the driver's street which contained 488 ecstasy tablets, and Mitchell was found to be in possession of small amounts of cannabis and a set of scales.

A search of Mitchell's home revealed small amounts of diazepam, together with mobile phones and 'tick lists' which when checked clearly showed he was drug dealing.

The value of the ecstasy tablets was just under ?3,000.

Mitchell's advocate said the defendant was a drug addict at the time the offences were committed and got involved in dealing to pay his debts.

He accepted the charges were serious but stressed he had not benefited financially from his dealing.

Deemster Doyle said the reports on Mitchell were favourable and he advised him to stay away from drugs in future.

(Picture: Douglas Courthouse where Juan Robert Mitchell was sentenced).