A man who was arrested after police saw him in coming out of a garden shed in Ipswich with a bag containing 190 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin has been jailed for 12 months.

Nicolas Balderstone tried to run away when he was spotted by an officer in the garden of a house in Bramford Lane but was detained, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The plastic bag he was holding contained 191 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine with a street value of £1,360.

He was also found in possession of a mobile phone which contained messages relating to cannabis dealing, said Richard Potts, prosecuting.

Balderstone told police he’d been told by the holder of the “Marlow” drug line to collect the bag but wasn’t told what was in it.

He said he was addicted to cannabis and would collect money from customers to buy cannabis for them.

Ipswich Star: Balderstone was jailed at Ipswich Crown CourtBalderstone was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Suffolk police)

Balderstone, 32, of no fixed address, admitted possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of cannabis.

Simon Gladwell, for Balderstone, said his client was due to be released from a 45 month prison sentence imposed in December last year in April.

He asked the court to pass a 12 month sentence which would only extend his time in custody by a month.

He said Balderstone, who has 70 previous convictions, hadn’t used drugs while he had been in prison and was an enhanced prisoner.

“He has valued his time in prison and wants to make a life for himself when he is released,” said Mr Gladwell.

Balderstone, who appeared at the sentencing hearing via a prison video link, told the court he had done well during his time in prison and wanted to lead a better life.