A DRUG dealer who had more than £600-worth of class As on him when he was arrested in Bournemouth town centre has been spared a prison sentence.

A police officer on cycle patrol spotted Amaru Campbell, 19, in the Central Gardens at 1.40pm on Saturday, March 10.

Two men were walking towards Campbell.

When the defendant saw the officer, he ran away. The officer cycled after him and was eventually able to detain him for a search.

In Campbell's pocket was a black polythene wrap containing 29 wraps of heroin and 32 of crack cocaine with an estimated street value of £610.

The defendant, who lives in Hannington Place, Bournemouth, admitted two charges of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply it at Bournemouth Crown Court. On Monday, September 10, he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years.

PC Stuart Grant, of Bournemouth South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We recognise the impact drug-related activity and associated crime has on the local community and our officers are committed to doing all we can to tackle the supply of drugs.

“We will continue to work with our partners and respond to any information provided by local residents as part of our efforts to disrupt the supply of class A drugs."