A 45-YEAR-OLD Stroud man has pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting in the commission of drug dealing offences.

Sean Hutchinson of Rodborough Avenue, Rodborough, Stroud admitted the offence at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, March 9.

He had originally been charged with a conspiracy to supply class A drugs, but the prosecution accepted his plea to a lesser offence.

Hutchinson accepted that between November 26 and 29 last year he allowed premises to be used to deal drugs and he obstructed police officers to prevent them entering.

His lawyer, Sarah Jenkins, said that others were involved in the case, but the prosecution had offered no evidence against a 16-year-old girl who was alleged to be an accomplice.

Two other men, Brandon Wade, 20, of Harold Road, London and 18-year-old Jacob James of Bradley Road, Enfield, East Sussex are presently remanded in custody, she said.

Judge Ian Lawrie told Hutchinson he would be sentenced on Monday, March 12.