An Acton drug dealer who was caught red-handed by plain-clothed police has been sentenced to three years behind bars.

Marvin Beckford, 27, of Old Oak Common Lane, Acton, admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine and one count of possession with intent to supply cannabis at Isleworth Crown Court on September 1, police said.

The court heard how officers were driving along The Fairway, Acton, on March 5 when they saw the defendant stop his car and speak to three men by the park area. Police said, after a brief conversation he drove off towards Old Oak Common Lane.

Moments later police were in Brassie Avenue when they saw him on the pavement speaking to another man who “had the appearance of a drug user”.

Beckford was pulled over in Sunningdale Avenue and told he would be searched. He made a run for it but was caught.

On the floor next to Beckford’s car were two amounts of cocaine wrapped in old lottery tickets and a search of his home uncovered a large amount of herbal cannabis and crack cocaine in a bag in the bedroom, police said.

Officers also found scales, cash, deal lists, phone numbers and old lottery tickets.

Detective Constable Hayley Petrossian-Salmasi, of Ealing CID, said: “We will not tolerate blatant drug dealing on the streets of Ealing.

“Let this be a warning to others, that if they intend to blight our communities with their criminal behaviour then they must be prepared to be locked up for a long time.”