A man has been sentenced to five years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of a bladed article.

Luke Broom, 28, of Canadian Avenue, Catford, London, appeared in Swindon Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced to five years and ordered to pay a £140 surcharge.

The court heard that on July 12, 2016, police were called to a disturbance in Carfax Street. Broom was found in the area by officers and was seen to swallow class A drugs when he was approached by police. He was arrested and later produced the drugs while in custody.

Alice McAllister-Box, 21, of Beatrice Avenue, London, who was known to Broom, was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs on the same day in an address nearby after evidence of drug supply was seized.

Both were released on bail pending further enquiries.

Then on August 5, 2016, both Broom and McAllister-Box were located in Toothill, Swindon. When they were searched they were both found in possession of class A drugs. Broom also had a knife on him. They were both arrested again.

As well as Broom's sentence, McAllister-Box was given a 24-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and was ordered to pay £140 surcharge.

PC Emma Rice said: "Neither Broom or McAllister-Box had any ties to Swindon and had come to the town purely to supply drugs.

"This is completely unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated.

"I am satisfied with the sentences handed out and would encourage any members of the public to report drug activity via 101 - we will act on all information we receive."