A DRUG dealer armed with a shotgun has been jailed for more than seven years.

John Robinson, 55, pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition and possession of Class A heroin with intent to supply at Hove Crown Court last week.

Robinson, formerly of St Leonards but latterly of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years for the firearm offence, three years concurrent for possessing ammunition, and 30 months consecutive for the drug offence.

Sussex Police arrived in Market Street, St Leonards, after a member of the public reported seeing Robinson injecting himself in the at around 1pm on Saturday, May 21.

Upon searching the man officers found a holdall beside him contained a dismantled shotgun wrapped in towels, several cartridges, white tablets and and large amount of cash. In his jacket pocket police found a quantity of heroin.

The sentence was imposed by His Honour Judge David Rennie.

Detective Constable Rob Tillyer, of Hastings CID, who led the investigation, praised the person who had acted on his suspicions about Robinson and contacted police. He said: "Through this timely information officers were able to detain Robinson quickly and safely.

"Detectives then sought a fast-track charging authority and remand application which was supported by the courts."

DC Tillyer added: "The sentence recognises the serious nature of the offences that Robinson committed and the incident is a very real demonstration of how the community is a key part of policing."