AN Ipswich drug dealer is starting a prison sentence after 110 ecstasy tablets and more than half a kilo of cannabis was found at his home.Stephen Butcher, 25, of Bramford Road, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and ecstasy with intent to supply.

AN Ipswich drug dealer is starting a prison sentence after 110 ecstasy tablets and more than half a kilo of cannabis was found at his home.

Stephen Butcher, 25, of Bramford Road, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and ecstasy with intent to supply.

He also admitted a charge of simple possession of cannabis resin.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that police officers raided Butcher's home where he lives with his girlfriend Clare Thompson and her two children, on April 28 this year.

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said a tin containing 110 ecstasy tablets was found in Butcher's lounge. The ecstasy was valued at between £825 and £1,320.

Police also seized 656 grams (23.4oz) of cannabis resin valued at between £1,872 and £2,880.

Jude Durr, mitigating, said Butcher was of previous good character but had smoked cannabis since the age of 13. Mr Durr said Butcher sold cannabis to a group of friends to feed his own heavy use of the drug.

The court heard that Butcher was looking after the ecstasy tablets for a friend and was going to supply them back to him for no payment.

Mr Durr said the ecstasy was in a locked tin and the cannabis was kept out of reach of Ms Thompson's young children.

Judge Christopher Barnett said: "Ecstasy tablets have dangerous side effects including convulsions, high temperature, liver damage and, on occasion, death."

Butcher was sentenced to a total of 30 months in prison.