A THUG from Warrington who strangled his former partner has been jailed for two years for dealing drugs in Warrington park.

Lewis Shackleton, of no fixed address in Warrington, was sentenced in Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, after he pleaded guilty to drugs supply offences.

The 24-year-old, who has an extensive criminal history including strangling his former partner and threatening to blow up another's house, was arrested by Cheshire Police on Tuesday, June 18.

After receiving reports that that drug dealing was taking place in Victoria Park in Latchford, plain clothed officers spotted Shackleton who attempted to flee but was quickly detained and arrested.

Shackleton’s criminality was identified following an investigation launched by officers from Operation Apollo into the alleged supply of drugs in Warrington.

Further enquiries established that Shackleton was the controller of a graft phone, which is used for arranging the supply and distribution of crack cocaine and heroin to drug users.

He was found in possession of this phone, as well as a quantity of white and brown powder, as well as a large quantity of cash.

Further tests showed that the powder was crack cocaine and heroin.

The 24-year-old was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of criminal property.

He was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment.

“The sentence handed to Shackleton should serve as a reminder that we are committed to acting on any information we receive regarding drugs activity,” said detective inspector Robert Balfour following the sentencing.

“This behaviour wreaks havoc on people’s lives – and not just on those who use drugs themselves. The impact of illegal drugs stretches far and wide and can devastate communities.

“This is why it is so important to report illegal drug activity in your area so we can stop people like Shackleton and bring them to justice.”

Shackleton was previously jailed for strangling his former partner, and was convicted once again in January after he threatened to blow up the house of another ex-girlfriend and breached the restraining order put in place.

He was also previously convicted for carrying a military knife in Warrington Bus Interchange.