A Chale man who gained 'significant income' from drug dealing on the Isle of Wight has been jailed.

Kenneth Gladdis, of Spanners Close, Chale Green, was sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, July 21.

The court heard how, on May 5, 2021, Gladdis, 48, was found in possession of 68.1g of cocaine in Chale.

He was arrested and later charged with possession of a controlled Class A drug with intent to supply.

He initially denied the offence but pleaded guilty following an appearance at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Thursday, June 22.

Prosecuting, Tim Devlin, said Gladdis, who has 13 previous convictions for 21 non-drug related offences, had previously argued the 'small supply' was for friends and was for his personal use.

However, the court heard a 'tick list' demonstrated he had made some profit from dealing.

Jim Osborne, defending, had argued Gladdis was an addict himself and was 'coerced' into dealing drugs, to pay back debts he owed to suppliers.

But the mitigation was not accepted by Judge William Ashworth as the defence could not produce evidence to support it.

Mr Osborne said when Gladdis was arrested it was a "wake up call" and he has sought help from Inclusion.

He has not taken drugs since, he said, and now puts his family above his addiction, which was not the case before.

The court heard how he was a carer for his daughter, wife and an elderly relative.

Judge Ashworth said Gladdis was dealing to a limited number of people but there was evidence to suggest that he was making a 'significant income'.

Gladdis was handed a three year prison sentence and ordered to pay a surcharge of £158.