A DRUG dealer carrying thousands of pounds of cocaine was chased and trapped by a motorist who feared he gave wrong information following a crash.

Christopher England, 49, of Felmores End, Pitsea, was involved in a crash in Pitsea on February 5 this year.

The driver of the other car spoke to England at the scene of the crash, but feared the details he had given for insurance purposes were incorrect.

Unconvinced, the motorist gave chase – following him to Rectory Road, Pitsea, where England was blocked in, and the brave driver refused to let him out until police arrived.

When officers got to the scene, they believed England was under the influence of drugs due to his demeanour and speech pattern.

A drugs wipe was completed and came back as positive for cocaine when he was arrested.

During the booking-in procedure at Basildon police Station, England was found to be in possession of a single wrap of cocaine and a further 131.5 grams which was in his sock.

The drugs were likely to have a street value of more than £6,000, it is believed.

The other driver involved in the incident, who was not named, was praised for going above his duty to follow England, putting himself in danger to ensure that police made an arrest, and the significant haul of drugs were found.

Following the sentencing, investigating officer PC Adam Blackwell, of the South Operations Raptor Team, said: “It was through the diligence of a member of the public that we were able to seize a large volume of drugs and prevent them from being sold on the streets of our county.

“We will not stop in our relentless pursuit of those committing drug or gang-related crime on the streets of Essex.”

England admitting possession of class A drugs, and possession with intent to supply on August 9 at Basildon Crown Court.

England was jailed yesterday, at the same court, to four years in prison.

He faced no further action in terms of the failed drug swipe given at the scene of his arrest.

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the north, south and west of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers in 100 per cent confidence on 0800 555 111