A MECHANIC has been jailed after police caught him with a large amount of drugs and a metal bat.

Plain clothed officer’s stopped Vikesh Patel’s car in Town Barn Road, Crawley, and uncovered the haul.

The force first realised something was wrong when they spotted the 28-year-old driving in Peglar Way, despite being disqualified.

They followed the car and, when it stopped, arrested him and searched the car.

Four packages of cocaine, a small bag of cannabis, three burner-style phones and a metal bat were found.

Patel, of Town Mead in Crawley, was charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug, possession of a class B drug, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He stood trial on November 21, also facing charges of possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply and possession of criminal property in relation to a previous incident.

He was found guilty and jailed for five years.

Detective Constable Simon Goulding said: “Patel showed complete disregard for his driving ban and he thought we wouldn’t find out he was back behind the wheel.

“On top of this, Patel was using a vehicle to enable him to sell drugs in the community. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and we are dedicated to tackling this behaviour and stamping it out in our communities.”

He added: “We welcome the sentence Patel has been given by the courts and hope this provides a stark warning to anyone else involved in drugs that you will be caught.”

Another 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been released under investigation.