A DEALER who offered to sell drugs to children has been jailed.

Newport Crown Court heard how Jonathan Watson, 25, from Pontypool, sent text messages to two teenagers aged 15 who were “prospective clients”.

He came to the attention of the police when they were called to a fish and chip shop in Cwmbran where he was acting suspiciously.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said Watson tried to escape and ran away but was arrested following a short chase on June 22, 2019.

Officers found cannabis and ecstasy in his rucksack as well as traces of cocaine.

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When they analysed his mobile phone, detectives discovered the full extent of his dealing.

His device contained 30,000 drug related text messages sent and received over an eight-month period between October 2018 and June 2019.

Among them were those sent to two teenagers aged 15 and a 16-year-old offering cannabis for sale.

There were references to Watson working with another dealer called ‘Fat Boy’ and the sale of cannabis strains called Gorilla Glue and White Rhino.

Text bombs were sent out to around 52 customers at the height of his dealing.

Mr Cobbe said he had control over two drug runners who would also collect debts.

The defendant, of The Fairway, New Inn, admitted supplying cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.

Watson also pleaded guilty to possession of ecstasy with intent to supply and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He had four previous convictions for seven offences, including harassment, but none for drug related matters.

Jeffrey Jones, representing the defendant, asked for his client to be given the appropriate credit for his guilt pleas.

His barrister added: “He feels great shame and regret.”

Judge Daniel Williams told Watson: “Your prospective market included two 15-year-olds.”

He jailed Watson for two years and six months and told him he had to give him credit for the long delay in the case.

It took 26 months to charge him.

The defendant will not face Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge following his release from prison.