Three men were caught "red-handed" bringing a haul of class A drugs from Liverpool to Norwich.

James Stephen, 28, Adam Miller, 24, and Stephen Bailey, 61 were stopped by police in a Kia car as they headed towards the city centre having travelled from Merseyside.

Norwich Crown Court heard two of them "jumped out" with Stephen initially getting away. Miller was swiftly captured while Bailey remained in the car.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said police recovered a "significant number of wraps" of class A drugs with an estimated street value of £18,260.

He said phone evidence showed the defendants had travelled to Norwich from Liverpool. 

There was also evidence of "bulk messages" being sent from the phone belonging to Stephen who was said to be a "phone holder".

Eastern Daily Press: James StephenJames Stephen (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Stephen, from Liverpool, appeared for sentence having previously admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine between September last year and January this year.

Miller, from Bootle, Merseyside, and Bailey, of Brewers Court, Norwich, both previously admitted possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine on January 16 this year.

Eastern Daily Press: Stephen BaileyStephen Bailey (Image: Norfolk Police)

Miller also admitted possession of cannabis.

Recorder John Hardy said the defendants were "caught red-handed engaged in a county lines drugs operation bringing drugs from Liverpool to Norwich".

He jailed Stephen for four years and Bailey for two years.

Miller was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to undertake 35 days rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR).

Rob Pollington, mitigating for Stephen, said he "found himself involved in the world of drugs following the misuse of class B drugs".

He said Stephen was "recruited" as a supplier of drugs from Liverpool to Norwich and had been "under a degree of pressure" to do so.

Danielle O'Donovan, mitigating for Bailey,  said he deserved full credit for his plea and had a lesser role in the offence adding he was "but a driver" or "effectively a taxi".

John Morgans, for Miller, said he was of positive good character" with no previous convictions and had performed "a limited role under direction".