A CHORLEY drug dealer has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Carl Gaskell, 38, of Princess Street, was jailed at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday (January 8).

Gaskell was arrested in November after officers, acting on community intelligence, witnessed a drugs exchange at his home address.

He was charged with one offence of supplying a Class A drug – crack cocaine and two offences of supplying a Class A drug – cocaine.

Gaskell pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison. He has also agreed not to return to his home address when he is released from prison.

Chief Insp Gary Crowe, of Chorley Police, said: “Gaskell’s drug dealing caused a lot of pain and nuisance for the residents of Princess Street and Cheam Avenue.

"So much so some residents told police they were scared to open their curtains, some who felt forced to leave the area and others who intended to do so.

“This sentence is a good result against an individual who has been subject to sustained police targeting as a result of some real community concerns.

“Results such as this only come from members of the public coming forward and voicing their concerns. I hope this gives people confidence, if you suspect drugs are being dealt where you live, we will act.”

If you have concerns about drug dealing near where you live, please contact police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.