A DRUG dealer carrying a bag of crack cocaine and who jumped from a first floor window to escape police has been sentenced to 33 months in a young offender institution, Thames Valley Police said. 

Kofie John-Welch was wanted on recall to prison when police officers tracked him down to a house in Medhurst Way, Oxford, on August 5.

When police got to the house and the door was slow to open, officers heard running and headed round the back, where they saw 20-year-old John-Welch jumping out of the window to try to escape.

Searching him at the scene, Thames Valley Police said they found a wrap of cannabis on him.

A set of digital scales, rolls of cling film, 5.88kg of crack cocaine wraps, three mobile phones and £3,736.25 in cash were found in John-Welch's bag when he was later searched in custody, the force said. 

Investigating officer, Det Con Oli Jacques, from Banbury Force CID, said: “This conviction and sentencing is an example of the tireless work Thames Valley Police officers do in order to crack down on drugs offences. The supply and use of illegal drugs can have a devastating impact on communities and will not be tolerated.”

John-Welch, of Cowley Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug – cannabis/ cannabis resin and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A - crack cocaine at Oxford Crown Court on Friday. 

He pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000 and one count of obstructing/restricting a constable in execution of duty which will lie on file.

John-Welch was sentenced to two months in a young offender institution for possession of cannabis, and 33 months in a young offender institution for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, to run concurrently.

He was also ordered to pay £900 court costs.