Man asks to keep eating his food during drive-thru arrest

A drug dealer asked officers to let him eat his chips when he was arrested at a drive-thru.

Imtiaz Ali, 46, of Ebenezer Terrace, Newport, was searched outside a McDonald's in Newport Retail Park at about 21:50 GMT on 2 November.

Police found nitrous oxide cannisters, unopened balloons and a hammer inside his car.

Gwent Police then seized a large amount of cash and a mobile phone, before a search of Ali's address led to the discovery of cannabis and a further three mobile phones.

Ali was sentenced to six months in jail and has been ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £154.

Appearing at Newport Magistrates' Court on 4 November, Ali pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide and possession of cannabis.

He also pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

PC Sam Hall said he had been spotted "driving erratically" when the police decided to stop the car.

The evidence that Ali was illegally dealing nitrous oxide was "overwhelming", he added.

"Ali was out on licence at this time of these offences and was profiting from the sale and supply of illegal drugs that cause fear, suffering and pain to vulnerable people and their families."