A NEWPORT dad has been jailed for 28 months for possessing and supplying Class A drug cocaine.

Owen Williams, 29, pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing class A cocaine and possessing with intent to supply controlled drug Class A cocaine.

During sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday prosecutor Julian Greenwood told how Williams, of Edward German Crescent in Newport, was supplying cocaine over a considerable period from 2013.

Williams was driving his Audi on Chepstow Road in Newport on February 5, 2015, when officers following the car saw Williams come to a stop at traffic lights and a member of the public get into the car where they had a conversation with the defendant, before getting back out again.

Officers followed the car and when the defendant turned left at the next traffic lights and into a parking space they approached him.

The defendant was alone in the vehicle but had a child’s lunch box in the front seat.

When officers asked him where he was going he said he was on his way to have his haircut but admitted he didn’t have his wallet with him.

The defendant then changed tack and said it was in his lunch box and said there was some cocaine in there amounting to six or seven bags.

He was handcuffed and detained and officers found two phones, with the defendant admitting there was another phone he used to transact business.

He also told police that there were another three bags of the drug at his home, where police conducted a search of the address.

Williams told police he forgot to say earlier there was more cocaine in the wardrobe under a pile of clothes.

Police found three bags of cocaine, £80 in cash, bank statements, more cocaine in the wardrobe, a set of weighing scales and two iPhones.

During interview Williams admitted he had been supplying the drug for around 15 months.

He admitted dealing had become his sole income making around £400 a week.

Harry Baker defending said Williams pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and said his was an ‘exceptional case.’

He said he has no previous convictions and has two children from two relationships.

Mr Baker said Williams turned to supplying after the break down of a relationship which saw his daughter taken to another country.

Recorder Robert Craven said: “He seemed to have the idea that he was going to get caught sooner or later.

“I am sure you feel considerable remorse for this.”

He sentenced Williams to 28 months imprisonment, of which he will serve half. He was also ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.