A WIRRAL drug dealer was caught by police after they noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from his car. 

Warren Roberts, 27, had pulled into a petrol station on King Street, Egremont on Friday, August 11 last year at the same as officers in an unmarked vehicle were filling up. 

Liverpool Crown Court heard Paul Taylor, prosecuting, describe how the officers noticed a "strong smell" coming from Roberts' car and saw him "fiddling with something behind the wheel".

Roberts escaped from the car and officers later recovered a package nearby.

Roberts, of River View, New Ferry, was later arrested and pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. 

The cannabis which was recovered was estimated to be worth between £4,000 and £7,000. 

£1,980 in cash was also recovered with a proceeds of crime case ongoing.

John Wheat, defending, said Roberts' "life had been blighted by mental health problems" and added he was now "at the crossroads of his life". 

Sentencing Roberts, Judge Simon Medland, said: "You are still a young man with much of your life ahead of you.

"Drugs destroy people's lives and if you do not believe me look in the mirror."

He handed Roberts a nine month prison sentence suspended for 18 months with a six month mental health treatment requirement and 20 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR). 

Judge Medland added: "You have to ask yourself what type of life do you want to lead?"