A Wellington has started a four and half year prison sentence after pleading guilty to drug dealing.

James O'Sullivan, 34, of Laburnum Road, Wellington was also handed a further 21 months to run concurrently during a hearing at Taunton Crown Court on Friday after admitting guilty to supplying cocaine.

Police arrested O'Sullivan on December 10 2011 after a member of the public called Crimestoppers to report suspected drugs activity at a property in the east of Wellington.

Officers from Wellington carried out a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at O'Sullivan's address and found half a kilo of cocaine, worth around £20,000, in addition to a quantity of other controlled substances including MDMA and Diazepam.

They also found some £9,800 in cash, and drug paraphernalia including scales and small bags. O'Sullivan was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

A financial investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act is now underway with a confiscation hearing due in October.

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 once an offender has been convicted, police and the courts can investigate their finances and ascertain how much the offender has acquired through their criminal activity, including wealth and assets they cannot account for from legitimate sources.