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.

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