A MAN who claimed that he worked as a car dealer was in fact selling cocaine on the streets of Dorset.

David Cousin, who is also known as David Meadowcroft, maintained throughout a police investigation that his money was made legitimately.

However, detectives found the 47-year-old, who is formerly of Kestrel Close in Poole, had been dealing the class A drug on the streets for a "significant" amount of time.

He has now been convicted of being concerned in the supply of cocaine following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Cousin's accomplice Jeffrey Healy, who is 47 and of Alexandra Road, Tonbridge in Kent, admitted possessing criminal property and class A drugs for personal use.

Police from the Serious and Organised Crime Investigation Team first arrested Cousin on Friday, August 18 2017 on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

The defendant told the officers he worked in the car industry throughout the period of the allegation, which was between June 22 August 19.

But detectives found drugs in both of his vehicles and at an address he regularly visited.

Cousin was also seen taken a hydraulic press into the house. Police then found the press as well as kit used to cut drugs.

A small black pouch was also found hidden in the dashboard of his Volkswagen Golf. This contained a number of wraps of drugs.

Similar packages were found in Cousin's second car and at another address linked to him.

On Monday, June 26 2017, officers saw Healy driving to Cousin’s home address in his mother’s Ford KA.

He was then found in Ferndown. A search of his vehicle was carried out. Officers discovered £33,000 in cash wrapped in cling film and carrier bags, as well an amount of cocaine consistent with personal use.

Forensic testing on the carrier bags found both Healy and Cousin's fingerprints.

Mobile phone research showed the two men had used a middleman to arrange this drug deal.

Cousin has now been sentenced to five years and four months in prison. Healy was handed a two-year community order with a 30-day rehabilitation requirement. He was also ordered to pay £250 in prosecution costs.

Judge Stephen Climie said Cousin had organised his own drug operation and was responsible for dealing cocaine on the streets over a "significant period" of time.

Detective Constable Angela Singleton said: "Cousin was involved in supplying and dealing cocaine in the Dorset area.

"He has been brought to justice and this case yet again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to tackling drug supply offences in Dorset.

"Drug dealing and misuse has a significant impact on our communities and we will do all we can to take drugs and the dealers off the streets.”