A DRUG dealer who was caught after police pulled his car over has been jailed for three years.

Ryan Ratcliffe attempted to flee on foot after officers performed a vehicle stop check on him in Woolston on the morning of Wednesday, January 6.

The police patrol spotted the BMW, which they believed had cloned number plates, being driven by the defendant on Manchester Road at around 11am and followed the 24-year-old onto Weir Lane before instructing him to bring his car to a halt.

He was quickly arrested by officers despite making his bid for freedom.

Two mobile phones were seized from Ratcliffe, and were subsequently found to contain a number of text messages related to drug dealing.

The car was also found to be stolen, while the motorist – from Salford – did not have a driving licence or insurance.

He admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, two charges of offering to supply class A drugs, handling stolen goods, driving without and licence and driving without insurance at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, February 5.

Police constable Andrew Dolan said: “I hope that this case acts as a warning to other offenders.

“Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact, and we are committed to doing all we can to remove those involved in the supply of such drugs from our communities.

“Information from the public is vital for this fight, and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch.

“You will be listened to and we will investigate the matter.”

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “The impact of illegal drugs should not be underestimated.

“They cause widespread misery and often lead to other offences, such as shoplifting and burglary – all of which have a damaging impact on our communities.

“I would like to thank all the officers involved in this case for their hard work and I hope that this conviction provides reassurance to local residents.”