A COCAINE dealer was caught with a Taser when police officers investigating the alleged breach of a non-molestation order knocked at his door last summer.

Daniel York, 35, fell prey to drug addiction after the breakdown of a relationship – then began selling cocaine to pay off a debt and fund his own habit.

Over around a year, he made more than £5,500 from selling the drug to a dozen customers.

Jailing him for two years and seven months at Swindon Crown Court this week, Judge Jason Taylor QC recognised York’s remorse and the impact that prison would have on his family.

But the judge added: “Unfortunately, for dealing class A drugs you know there can only be one conclusion - particularly when that dealing took place over sustained period of time.”

Prosecutor Sian Beaven told the court that police officers had knocked on the door of York’s Swindon home on May 9 last year after allegations he’d breached a non-molestation order.

“The defendant became aggressive and initially refused to allow the officers into his address,” she said.

One of the officers caught sight of a Taser, disguised as a torch, placed on a sideboard. He managed to discharge it, confirming the weapon was charged.

The police officers went on to find a set of scales with traces of white powder on them, which was later confirmed to be high purity cocaine. Also in the house was almost £2,000 in cash, a small amount of cannabis and a large knife in a sleeve.

Wiltshire Police financial investigator Nigel Lord was later able to trace thousands of pounds-worth of payments into his bank account, which York later admitted was the proceeds of drug dealing.

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Daniel York's custody shot Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

York, of May Close, Gorse Hill, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of £5,600-worth of criminally-acquired cash and possession of cannabis. He had 10 convictions for 12 offences.

Emma Handslip, mitigating, said York had been dealing a drug to which he was addicted and was selling cocaine to help fund his own habit and pay off a debt. He’d sold the drug to 13 customers over a year.

Since his arrest he had got himself clean of drugs and was working. He supported a number of children and also helped other family members, many of whom had come to support him at court on Wednesday.

Judge Taylor acknowledged that prison would be difficult for York but said he was sure the defendant had the “strength of character” to use his time behind bars wisely.

The drugs, cash and paraphernalia were forfeit.