A drug dealer tried to ditch cannabis as he fled from police officers across a park.

Lee Gozney tried to give police the slip after refusing to stop as he drove his moped through Rickmansworth.

Officers had first spotted him on the Uxbridge Road and, despite requesting him to pull up, he drove off.

St Albans Crown Court was told he turned off into Grove Road, then into Springwell Avenue, before making off along Penn Road.

Police were doing their best to track him and saw their chance to catch him when he lept from the bike and started to run across a park.

Moments later he was caught and officers quickly realised why he hadn't wanted be detained - drugs and cash.

In fact, the court heard on Friday, Gozney, 33, had tried to ditch the cannabis while running across the park along with the cash, but officers were able to retrieve it and the game was up.

Back at Watford police station, Gozney told police officers "I know what I have done. I'll own up to it - I've been caught red handed."

As a result of what he was to tell them, police went to his home in Home Way, Rickmansworth where, unknown to his parents, he had more skunk cannabis hidden in a tin in a drawer.

They also found a "dealer list" as well as "baggies," the plastic bags used for small sales of cannabis.

Judge Mark Dennis QC, hearing the case, was told the the total amount of cannabis Gozney had was worth between £1090 and £1120.

The total amount of cash he had was £600.

Gozney pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Simon Smith, defending, said his client who was out of work had suffered from depression in the past and had begun counselling.

He was given a 12 month jail sentence suspended for two years together with a Rehabiltation Activity Requirement for 25 days and a six month drug rehabilitation requirement, plus a £100 fine.