A FORMER special police constable was jailed for six years yesterday after a court heard he was caught dealing in the potentially-fatal drug, Ecstasy.

York Crown Court was told that Philip Steele, earned almost £16,000 through drug dealing.

Steele, 33, of Knapton Close, Strensall, York, admitted six offences of dealing in ecstasy and amphetamines.

Richard Scott, prosecuting, said that when he was arrested in Strensall police found 800 Ecstasy tablets in his car and pockets, worth a minimum of £6,000.

One of the people Steele supplied with 102 Ecstasy tablets was his co-accused, Stephen MacDonald, 18, of Kirkcroft, Haxby, York. He admitted intending to supply those drugs to others and was sent to a Young Offenders' Institution for two years.

In mitigation, Simon Reevell said Steele was a pillar of society and a special police constable in York before his wife announced she wanted their marriage to end.

Mr Reevell said: "It hit him like a bombshell and people thought certain substances might take away the pain. As a special constable he was not interested in drugs, but succumbed and as a result accrued significant debt."

Mr Reevell said Steele had been told he could work his debts off by getting involved in drug dealing.

Robert Collins, for MacDonald, said the accused had only intended to supply friends.