A FORMER mechanic with Worcester City Council has been warned to expect jail for drug and firearms offences.

Dean Hallett was convicted by a jury of possession of 232 grammes of amphetamine with intent to supply.

Worcester Crown Court heard that he had also admitted possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause alarm and possession of cannabis.

Judge Ian Morris remanded 24-year-old Hallett, of Dove Close, Ronkswood, Worcester, in custody for reports and indicated that his inevitable prison sentence would be "of some substance".

Police, who raided Hallett's home, found the drugs, worth up to £1,200, stashed behind his fireplace in a sealed jar.

He first denied the drugs were his and said a drug taker had lived in the house before him.

But tape around the jar lid matched tape found in his holdall.

Hallett then confessed the drugs were his, but said he bought them in bulk to save money.

He was living off his savings after losing his job.

Prosecutor Graham Cliff said he had planned to supply the hidden drugs to other people.

Plastic bags for drug deals were also discovered at his home.

Hallett's barrister Samantha Forsyth undertook to supply the judge with a medical report to show the effects of a road accident on Hallett in 1999.

Judge Morris said he was concerned about the defendant's mental health after seeing him give evidence.