DEALER Jacob Turley told police who found him with £770 in a backpack that it was for a tax return.

The unlikely tale came after the 21-year-old was collared by plain-clothes officers patrolling the Radnor Street Cemetery at lunchtime on January 31 this year.

Prosecuting the case before Swindon Crown Court this week, Susan Cavender said Turley and the two other men he was with ran off as soon as they spotted the police officers.

They gave chase and were able to catch Turley.

The youngster was carrying a backpack from which was coming a strong smell of cannabis.

Inside the bag was £770 in cash, which Turley claimed was “from tax returns”. More cash was found in his pockets.

Turley initially gave a no comment interview to detectives, but later gave a prepared statement in which he admitted selling cannabis.

The Rodbourne Road man pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates’ Court to being concerned in the supply of cannabis

Richard Williams, defending, said his client had become involved in the supply of cannabis after his girlfriend fell pregnant last September.

“He was struggling to find employment,” Mr Williams said.

“Foolishly and stupidly, he accepts he became involved in selling cannabis to support his own habit and obtain some easy money.”

Turley had used cannabis since the age of 11 as a way to ease the symptoms of ADHD and psychosis but now no longer used the drug.

Judge Peter Crabtree remanded Turley in custody to be sentenced on Friday, December 20.