Moment drug dealer re-arrested as he leaves prison

A man who admitted dealing drugs from his prison cell can be seen on police footage being arrested moments after he was released from jail for his previous crimes.

Samuel Watts, 34, from Northwich, was handcuffed as he left HMP Kirkham, near Preston, on 21 November last year just after he finished serving a sentence for supplying cocaine and cannabis and possessing a weapon.

Watts faced Burnley Crown Court on Thursday where he was jailed for a further four years and four months.

In the police footage, the arresting Cheshire Police officer can be heard telling Watts he was being arrested in relation to a phone that had been found on him in prison, saying: "I know it's not ideal news."

Watts admitted supplying cocaine from his jail cell after police found a phone strapped to his waist during a search, which contained messages showing he had continued to deal drugs from behind bars.

PC Dan Lee, from Cheshire Police, said: "Hopefully this time he will use his time behind bars to reflect upon his actions rather than trying to set up another business venture."

Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.