A “FIXER” involved in the supply of cocaine, cannabis and a sedative called benzodiazepines has been locked up.

Patrick Cavanagh, from Barry, was caught after Gwent Police arrested him twice in Caerphilly county and found drug trafficking messages on two different mobile phones.

Peter Donnison, prosecuting, said the 34-year-old defendant had been described by officers as a “fixer” who arranged drug deals.

There was once text referring to £14,500 but that was “out of character” when compared to others.

He was largely involved in selling small amounts to fund his own habit, Cardiff Crown Court was told.

The first time he was arrested was at a house in Bargoed.

The second was when he was pulled over in a car in School Street, New Tredegar, with Peter Yandell.

That defendant was jailed for 42 months in January.

Cavanagh, formerly of Porthkerry Road, Barry, now of Blackwood Road, Pontllanfraith, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

He also admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis and benzodiazepines, class B and class C drugs respectively.

Benzodiazepines is used to treat severe anxiety.

The defendant was a man of previous good character with no convictions recorded against him.

Kevin Seal, mitigating, said his client had been a “hard-working man all his life” before he turned to drink and drugs.

He turned to substance misuse during coronavirus after the breakdown of his marriage and the death of his mother, his barrister told the court.

Mr Seal added: “He became homeless and was sofa surfing among his friends.”

The judge, Recorder Duncan Bould, said the defendant’s offending was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.

Cavanagh was jailed for 20 months and ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge following his release from prison.

The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the two mobile phones.

There will be no Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings.