A Worksop man has been jailed after he was spotted dealing drugs by a CCTV operator in the town centre.

Fifty-one-year-old Peter Downs was caught on camera on Tuesday, March 18 as he sold the drug Mamba – a synthetic cannabinoid popular with the street community.

Police were alerted by the camera operator and arrived on Bridge Street a few minutes later.

Downs was arrested and found in possession of drugs and cash.

Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, Downs, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply and was jailed for 18 weeks.

Inspector Rob Harrison, district commander for Bassetlaw, said: “This is a good example of the power of the local CCTV network and how we and our partners use it to tackle crime.

“Drug use and drug dealing are a blight on our community and we will always take very firm action when we come across it.

“On this occasion a patrolling officer was nearby and was able to catch this man in possession of drugs and cash.

“Downs is well known to us and we will keep locking him up – and others like him – for as long as he chooses to commit these kind of offences.

“I want our town centre to be a safe and welcoming place to visit, which is why the public can expect to see more of my officers patrolling on foot and brining people like Downs to book.”