A man found asleep in a loft while holding class A drugs between his legs and more than £2,000 in cash has been jailed for three and a half years for drug offences.

Karl Taylor, 33, of Spencer Walk in Tilbury, was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of a cannabis by a jury following a four day trail.

The trial had taken place at Ipswich Crown Court ended on Tuesday, September 19.

Taylor was found asleep in the loft of a property in Mulberry Close in Beccles by police officers after enquiries following an attempted burglary at the Beccles amateur sailing club on April 23 led police to the house.

He was found to be in possession of class A drugs in a wrapped package between his legs, and £2,320 of cash was also found in the property along with drug paraphernalia.

Derrin Beavers, 21, of Gosford Road in Beccles was arrested on May 4 in connection with the incident on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.

He was later charged with being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs, and possession of criminal property, but was found not guilty in the same case.

Det Con Richard Last from Lowestoft CID said: “Taylor in his interview whilst in custody provided a ‘no comment’ interview and refused to accept any responsibility for his involvement in the crime, yet the jury in the case were able to find him guilty on both counts which is very satisfying to see.

“With support from the public who provide us with intelligence about suspect activity in their communities, we will continue to focus our energies on disrupting drug production and supply activity.

“The supply and dealing of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and residents can be reassured that any information passed to police will be acted on.”

A spokesman for the police added: “Anyone who suspects that drug use and dealing is taking place in their locality should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”