Watch: Drug dealer who lived ‘like a rock star’ chased down by police

Nathan Stone, 32, was spotted behaving suspiciously by police officers on patrol in King Street, Scarborough, on June 4.

Officers pulled Stone over and began searching his car.

Stone then attempted to run away, sparking a foot chase as officers pursued him and quickly caught up with him.

He also attempted to snap his mobile phone in half.

When questioned by police, Stone said he had panicked but claimed there would not be any evidence of drug dealing on the phone.

However, police analysis of the damaged device uncovered messages between Stone and dozens of other people discussing the supply of Class A drugs.

The most recent messages had been sent moments before his arrest.

Police also discovered messages in which Stone described staying in five-star self-catering flats and living life “like a rock star”.

In contrast, Stone told police he had previously worked as a bricklayer but had been unemployed for at least three months.

Officers also found weighing scales and a bottle containing a blue plastic bag with white powder inside the car.

Stone, from Scarborough, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

He pleaded guilty at York Crown Court on July 6.

Stone returned to the same court on Wednesday (Sep 2), where he was sentenced to 34 months in prison.

DC Alfie Thomlinson, of Scarborough CID, who arrested Stone and oversaw the case against him, said: “Nathan Stone thought he could exploit others for his own ill-gotten gain, making a significant amount of money from selling cocaine.

“This case is an example of what proactive officers out on the beat patrolling can achieve by stopping, searching – even chasing down and arresting – those involved in the supply of drugs.

“Stone paid no heed to the misery that illegal drugs cause in our communities. Those like him should know that detectives at North Yorkshire Police will relentlessly investigate and disrupt their selfish crimes.”