A MAN from Purfleet has admitted his part in a conspiracy to supply drugs which was investigated by Essex Police specialist officers investigating drug-related crime.

Olusogo Ajewole, 32, of Caspian Way, Purfleet, had been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

He was arrested in Basildon last December by officers from Essex Police's South Operation Raptor team. He pleaded guilty when appearing at Basildon Crown Court this week.

Two other men arrested at the time have been charged and are awaiting trial later this year.

Olusogo, who is known in the music industry as rapper Suga, and who is a director of music businesses in Vange and Rayleigh, will be sentenced in August.

He has a number of other past convictions including robbery and aggravated vehicle taking. As a 21-year-old he escaped prison after being found carrying a knife when his lawyer told the court he had worked hard to gain good educational qualifications and was thought to have a promising career ahead of him in the music industry.

In mitigation then, Cyrus Shroff told the court: "He is trying to turn his life around. He has a bright future ahead of him and I don't think the public interest will be best served by giving him a custodial sentence."

After being freed, Olusogo said: "I would always say that carrying a knife is the wrong thing to do. You are likely to end up getting stabbed or going to jail.

"I'm glad to get this second chance so we can continue to spread the message of love with our music."