A cocaine and heroin dealer from Hitchin has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty by a jury.

Saleh Uddin, of Walsworth Road, was arrested in the Berkshire town of Bracknell on May 10 last year – with officers recovering two mobile phones that contained text messages appearing to show his involvment in supplying the class A drugs.

Although no drugs were found either on Uddin or during subsequent police searches, a jury at Reading Crown Court returned unanimous guilty verdicts on a count each of supplying heroin and cocaine.

The 22-year-old was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for each of the two charges, with the terms to run concurrently.

Investigating officer PC Neil Lofthouse from Thames Valley Police said afterwards: “It is important to note that no drugs were found either on Uddin or during searches following arrest.

“Nevertheless, this conviction sends a strong message that to be involved in the supply of controlled drugs, in any capacity, leads to significant sentences.

“Thames Valley Police are committed to the continued investigation of drug-related crime, and seek prosecution of all those involved in its supply.

“In doing so we seek to protect communities from the devastating effects of both drugs themselves and the crimes committed in their name.”

Uddin was charged on September 29 last year and convicted following a four-day trial earlier this month. He denied the charges.