A LEADING judge yesterday called for an investigation into whether a Jamaican-born crack dealer should be deported.

Odeon Alvin Dixon, 25, was caught in Middlesbrough with seven wraps of crack cocaine hidden in his mouth.

A police drugs expert said the find -worth £622 and 50 per cent pure -meant Dixon was a dealer or even a supplier.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, said the question of whether Dixon should be deported after serving his sentence was a matter of public concern.

Richard Bennett, for Dixon, said his client could stay in the UK indefinitely because he married Daniella Dixon at Leeds Register Office in about June 2001, although they divorced 18 months later.

The judge observed: "There is no mention of a marriage in the (pre-sentence) report. It says that he has returned to live with his partner, Sharon Morton, in Leeds."

Mr Bennett said: "He was born in Jamaica and he spent most of his life in America before coming to the UK. He says he is married and he has a right to live here indefinitely."

Dixon was arrested during a drugs raid in central Middlesbrough, when he was seen peering through the window of a house officers were searching.

He ran away and when he was caught, a rock of crack cocaine fell from his mouth, which held another six wraps.

His flat was searched and police discovered electronic scales and knives with traces of cocaine, a number of printed telephone numbers and nine grammes of cannabis.

Nigel Soppitt, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court: "No inquiry has been made to date relating to this defendant's nationality. I am instructed to seek an adjournment so that the Crown can make an inquiry with the Immigration Service to establish his nationality"

Dixon, of Bow Street, Middlesbrough, appeared after he pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply on August 12, and possession of a Class C drug. He was remanded in custody for 14 days.