A GRAYS drug dealer who was originally charged with murder after the death of a 19-year-old man in a high rise block of flats in the town has been jailed for two and a half years.

Connor Knight, 21 of New Road, Grays appeared at Basildon Crown Court where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug, possession with intent to supply a controlled class B drug and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

His arrest took place following the death of Ashton Rowbotham at George Crooks House on Friday, 6 October last year.

The scene outside George Crooks House after the incident.

An investigation was launched after officers were called to an address at New Road in Grays at around 3:40am.

When officers arrived, 19-year-old Ashton Rowbotham was found with injuries to his neck. He died at the scene.

Knight was arrested and later charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug.

in the wake of a review, a decision was made not to proceed with the murder charge. Knight pleaded guilty to the remaining offences.

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Following further enquiries, four other people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and they have been released whilst the investigation is ongoing.