A former Bedford jeweller was jailed for three-and-a-half years on Friday after police found heroin wraps in his car.

Terence Medlock, who had been freed on licence from a six-year sentence for fencing stolen property, was stopped in Bedford Road, Kempston, on July 8, Luton Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Bill McGivern said: "He was edgy and his car was searched. In the driver's footwell cling film bags were found."

Medlock, 50, told the officers he knew nothing about the bags and ran off, but was arrested shortly afterwards.

A wrap of cocaine was found in his right sock. The cling film bags contained 5.1 grammes of heroin with a street value of £320.

When questioned, he told the police he was addicted to heroin.

Medlock, of Stanley Street, Bedford, appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply and possession of crack cocaine.

Derek Johashen, defending, said Medlock had successfully run Cheynebell Jewellers in the Arcade in Bedford for many years. But he got into financial difficulties and was taking amphetamine to help himself cope with the long hours he was working.

When he was jailed in February 2005 he became dependent on drugs, but had not told his family.

Judge Barbara Mensah told him: "Drugs lead to the destruction of families and communities and lead to crime."