A man who jumped into the Orwell to evade officers has been given a seven-year prison sentence for drug offences. 

Having previously been found guilty of two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, Kobe McKinlay, 24, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday, 13 December. 

McKinlay was arrested on 6 April, having been spotted making what was believed to be a drug exchange on the towpath of the River Orwell.

He was seen emptying his pockets when officers tried to stop him before he jumped into the river to avoid being detained. He was subsequently rescued from the river before being arrested and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre.

A large quantity of small wraps were found in the area where McKinlay was seen to be emptying his pockets. These were later confirmed to contain heroin and crack cocaine.

Sergeant Murray Osman said: "McKinlay was clearly intent on bringing these Class A drugs, which cause such misery on to our streets, into Ipswich, so it is pleasing to see him given such a lengthy sentence. 

"This was not McKinlay's first drug related offence, and this was recognised in the length of the sentencing." 

If you suspect drug dealing is taking place in your area or see anything suspicious or out of place, please tell us. You don't have to be certain, just concerned.

Report via the website www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/report-crime, call 101, or alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.