A DRUG dealer went on the run for nearly a year after being caught with cocaine, which he was dealing to support his “far too large family” .

Jamie Marshak, who has six kids, was caught almost three years ago on Canvey where officers found 24 wraps of cocaine in his car worth between £368 and £454 on October 17, 2017.

The following year in April, he was found again on Furtherwick Road on the island with more wraps of cocaine and two bags of cannabis, plus £807 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the drug dealing.

The 35-year-old of Timberlog Lane, Basildon, was later charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, but on July 2 last year a bench warrant was issued for his arrest as he could not be found.

He was remanded in custody until June 18 this year, and appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday where he was jailed for 35 months.

Mitigating, Janice Brennan told the court: “It was to support his far too large family financially.

“He fell back in 2017 and 2018 into what was the easiest way to get money to pay off his own drug debt and finance his own use of drugs.

“He has totally destroyed his life so far. That realisation has finally come to him. It’s better late than never.”

Giving evidence at court, Marshak’s wife Rachel Marshak said: “He’s a great dad and no matter what crime he has done he is a great father and gives his kids his time as much as he can, and his kids love him.”

Recorder Paul Taylor told Marshak: “People who are supporting large families throughout the length and breadth of the land do not sell drugs. They managed as best they can.”