Man jailed for drug offenses and carrying weapon

A man has been jailed for two years and nine months after being found guilty of a number of drug offences and carrying an offensive weapon.

35 year-old Mario Pascoal, of Cranbrook Road in Thorton Heath, London was taken into custody and charged just five minutes after police arrived.

He pleaded guilty was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to supplying class A drugs, affray, possession of an offensive weapon and possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

Investigating officer PC Kane Tyler said:

'This offender was tracked down and arrested less than five minutes after the initial 999 report was made, following a relentless pursuit from officers as well as invaluable help from members of the public.

'Whilst we would never encourage people to put themselves in danger and would always advise people to keep safe and call 999, we want to thank the people who tried to intervene.

'In particular, the man who chased after the offender and alerted officers to his whereabouts showed enormous courage and was immensely helpful in officers arresting Pascoal so quickly.

'We'd also like to thank the witnesses who sent us the footage they had taken at the scene. This proved to be crucial evidence and left no doubt to the violent actions of Pascoal.'