A drug dealer who tried to force his way through traffic to escape police just two months after he had been bailed for possession with intent to supply has been jailed.

Mahroz Basat, 30, was first stopped in February while he was driving in Burnley and subsequently had his home address searched, where cash, snap bags of drugs, and a mobile phone was recovered.

Police then attempted to stop him again in April in Nelson, but this time he tried to get away by driving into oncoming traffic.

He collided head-on with one vehicle before becoming wedged between two cars. Officers smashed open a rear window and detained three men inside.

It was later found Basat had been driving under the influence of drugs that day.

Preston Crown Court heard how on February 9, 2021, at around 5.40pm, a Volkswagen Golf was being driven by Basat in Casterton Avenue, Burnley.

Police officers in the area smelled cannabis and pulled the car over.

Basat and his passenger were searched, and Basat was discovered to have £125.50 in cash, snap bags of white tablets, and a mobile phone.

His home was then searched where officers recovered £3,195 in cash, more snap bags, and mobile phones.

In a vehicle parked outside, a search revealed a box of temazepam (sleeping pills), more snap bags, and a block of cocaine.

The mobile phones found in the house were analysed and found to have messages linked to drug dealing.

Just over two months later, on April 12 at around 5.30pm, Basat was this time driving a Saab in Brierfield. Police followed him and he was stopped in Nelson.

He attempted to get away but drove into oncoming traffic and became wedged between two cars and driving head-on into another.

A number of other drivers suffered minor injuries, due to his actions.

After officers gained entry to the car, eight snap bags of drugs worth £140, 4.25g of cocaine, and two mobile phones were recovered.

Basat pleaded guilty to the following charges:

  • Two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs
  • Two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs
  • Two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs
  • Two counts of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs
  • Possession with intent to supply class C drugs
  • Being concerned in the supply of class C drugs
  • Dangerous driving

Mitigating for Basat, Benjamin Knight said: “Prior to this block of two years involvement in the supply of drugs, he was of very little interest to the authorities.

“He worked in a small town, which was not the most exciting place for someone of his age.

"He did as many people do, started taking drugs freely available in the area. That costs money.

“He got himself into debt and that led to people putting pressure on him. It is the trap a lot of young men and young women fall into.”

Passing sentence, Judge Andrew Jeffries said: “The information I’ve read about you shows you have been trying to live a law-abiding life. You have clearly turned your back on the criminal associates you had previously.

“Although that does provide you with substantial mitigation, it does not subtract from the seriousness of the offences.”

Judge Jeffries sentenced Basat, Kensington Street, Nelson, to nine years in prison. He will also be banned from driving for 14 months upon his release and must take an extend retest.

PC Tom Archer said: “Over the course of a few months in 2021, Basat chose to endanger others by driving recklessly in attempt to escape justice and preyed on some of the most vulnerable members of society by selling illegal drugs. His behaviour can only be described as abhorrent.

“Following good, pro-active policing, both defendants have been brought to justice and have now received significant custodial sentences.”