A DEFENDANT who admitted two charges of drug dealing claimed that cash found at his address by police was inheritance money he received from his late father.

Officers found 1.5kg of cannabis, 58g of cocaine, and large amounts of cash when they raided Aaron Matthews’ address in Rectory Road, Colchester, in September 2022.

Matthews, 29, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine when he appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, but claimed he had a lesser role in the operation.

It was said the defendant received cannabis as a form of payment in return for supplying drugs and was keeping keeping the cocaine at his address for someone else.

Hearing – Aaron Matthews admitted two charges of drug supply at Colchester Magistrates' CourtHearing – Aaron Matthews admitted two charges of drug supply at Colchester Magistrates' Court (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

The court heard how the 1.5kg of cannabis had a value of around £6,000, and the cocaine had a value ranging from £2,400 to £6,900.

Officers also found thousands of pounds’ worth of cash at his house, but Matthews claims the money was inheritance he received after his father died.

The case will be brought before Ipswich Crown Court next month where the two different versions of events will be presented before a judge.

Maria Ellis, prosecuting, argued Matthews played a major role in the drug supply operation.

She said: “He played a significant role.

“The starting point for sentence is four and a half years in jail.

“There was a large amount of cash found at the address, and dealer messages were found on his phone."

Legal advisor Alison Ball set out Matthews’ version of events and added the defendant has one previous conviction for an unrelated driving matter.

Inheritance – Aaron Matthews claimed the money found at his address was money bequeathed to him by his late fatherInheritance – Aaron Matthews claimed the money found at his address was money bequeathed to him by his late father (Image: Pixabay)

She said: “He was a heavy cannabis user – he says he received payment in cannabis in return for supplying.

“The cash was inheritance money following his father’s death.

“He was holding the cocaine at his address for another.

“He denies he would have supplied cocaine directly to the user and that he would have provided contact details for a cocaine dealer.”

Matthew will appear before Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday, August 13.