CONCERN by local residents and a response from local police officers brought a drug dealer before a judge - but he has escaped being locked up and walked away from the court.

However, police at least have the consolation of knowing Class A drugs worth around £6,000 have been taken off the streets after work by its South Ockendon town centre team.

Tyler Emmins, 27, was arrested in August last year after he was spotted riding a motorbike in a dangerous manner in Darenth Lane.

Officers could smell cannabis, which he admitted to having. He was detained for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act and attempted to run off.

They found 70 packets of drugs on him, which were found to contain cannabis, ketamine and cocaine.

Emmins, of Cliff Place, South Ockendon, admitted three charges of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, 25 November.

He also admitted obstructing a police officer, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

Emmins was sentenced on this past week to two years in prison, but the punishment was suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity.

A confiscation order for £380 was also made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sergeant Ben Forbes who runs Thurrock's town centre police teams said: "This result was only possible thanks to officers responding to concerns from residents about anti-social behaviour and dangerous riding of motorbikes in South Ockendon town centre.

"The officers were on foot and attempted to stop Emmins, who didn't wish to follow their instructions. He was immediately detained and was found with class A drugs worth approximately £6,000.

"Emmins was charged following a thorough investigation by PC Stephen Fraser of the Town Centre Team.

"He initially denied the charges in court but changed his plea.

"I would like to thank the public for their daily support and ask them to continue letting us know of any concerns they have so we can deal with them appropriately."

The town centre team initiative was launched last summer with teams set up in South Ockendon, Grays and Stanford-le-Hope. This week two new teams in Purfleet and Tilbury were launched.