An industrial firefighter who turned to drug dealing to pay for a car was caught on the first day of his illicit new job, a court heard.

Shane Doherty, of Alwen in Plas Madoc, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Thursday morning.

The 38-year-old had previously been convicted of possessing cannabis, possessing heroin and crack with intent to supply, and possession of extreme pornography.

Phil Clemo, prosecuting, told the court that in October last year, a joint operation saw Merseyside and North Wales Police officers observing a 'well known drug user' approaching a car in Maelor Place, Ruabon.

Upon seeing the officers, the drug user changed direction.

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The police approached the car, a Honda Civic, and found the defendant in the driver's seat, with a child in the passenger seat.

A phone in the centre console of the vehicle rang a number of times while police inspected the car.

When the device was checked, evidence of "flare messages" was found.

Also found on another device was a video of a man engaging in a sex act with a cow.

On a shelf under the steering wheel was a knotted bag of white powder.

Doherty's home was also searched, with crack and cannabis being found.

The substances had a street value of around £1,000 to £1,500, and he was also found to be in possession of £760 in cash.

During his police interview, he admitted he'd been dealing drugs but said it had been his "first day" and that the phone and substances had only been dropped off that morning.

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Alun Williams, defending, told the court: "He has been exceedingly foolish and has made a poor decision.

"The reason he decided to carry on with this enterprise is that he needed money to buy a car.

"He spoke to the wrong people and there was effectively no stepping back.

"He is employed as a utility worker and a backup fireman at Kronospan, in Wrexham."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "You took a chance - you were out on the street selling class A drugs.

"Disgracefully, you were offending while a child sat in the vehicle with you.

"Your role is properly described as significant. You were street dealing for profit."

For the class A offences, Judge Parry jailed the defendant for 27 months.

No separate penalty was imposed for the cannabis and the Judge handed down an absolute discharge in respect of the extreme image.

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