A FATHER was “threatened” into helping run a drugs line after racking up a debt with Class A dealers, a court heard.

Matthew Brockman, from Dovercourt, failed to repay his drug dealers and was pressured into helping deliver the illicit goods to help pay back his debt.

The 39-year-old was stopped by the police on March 30 after the car he was driving flagged up on their system as being owned by a woman.

“Police accessed his mobile phone and he looked rather nervous and agitated, he wouldn’t make eye contact with the police,” said Dingle Clark, prosecuting at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Gazette: Drug dealing - defendant Matthew Brockman is from DovercourtDrug dealing - defendant Matthew Brockman is from Dovercourt (Image: Newsquest)

“When his phone was searched there were messages which led the police to believe, in some way, he was involved in the dealing or transfer of drugs.”

Mr Clark said when officers raided Brockman’s home in Holyrood, Dovercourt, they found a “small amount of powder” in his bedroom and weighing scales.

The court heard when interviewed by the police, Brockman explained he had become a “rung” in the hierarchy of a drugs line in north Essex.

Gazette: Suspended sentence - Matthew Brockman was spared prison when he appeared via video link at Chelmsford Crown CourtSuspended sentence - Matthew Brockman was spared prison when he appeared via video link at Chelmsford Crown Court (Image: Google Maps)

Mr Clark said the defendant was a “trusted runner” at a street dealing level.

Brockman admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.

Suspending a prison sentence for two years, Judge Mary Loram KC told Brockman: “I have no hesitation at all in finding that in your case there is a realistic chance of rehabilitation.”

She added: “You were undoubtedly in debt as a result of your significant drug use and you had become subject to threats and pressure as a result of that.

Gazette: Hearing - Chelmsford Crown CourtHearing - Chelmsford Crown Court (Image: Archant)

“Mr Brockman, you have a daughter and it is about time you prioritised her above drugs or anything else.”

Judge Loram ordered Brockman to undertake drug rehabilitation course accredited by the Probation Service.

He must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of a further rehabilitation activity requirement.

Simon Smith, mitigating, said Brockman had spent two-and-a-half months in prison while on remand awaiting his sentencing on Friday.