AN IRVINE man who admitted growing cannabis and dealing cocaine to escape his “Victorian” living conditions has been jailed.

David Brown, whose address was listed on court papers as Broughton Green, Lawthorn, was caught with the drugs between January 1 and July 3, 2014.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard how the 51-year-old produced cannabis at Livingston Terrace and Broughton Green between the two dates along with supplying cocaine at an address in Broughton Green on July 3.

Brown previously pled guilty and returned to court from custody last week for sentencing following the production of a Criminal Justice Social Work report.

Defence solicitor Colin McLaughlin revealed that Brown’s life began a downward spiral after a “fractious” split between he and his partner caused him to move out of the family home.

He added that suffering from diabetes, asthma and depression resulted in Brown being declared not fit to work.

Mr McLaughlin claimed that Brown ran into financial difficulties and the social work report shone a light on the “bleak, almost Victorian” conditions he was living in. He said that Brown was fully aware of the impact and consequences of his decision to deal drugs and was both “pragmatic” and “realistic” about the outcome of the case.

Mr McLaughlin stated that Brown made those choices simply because of his circumstances. Presiding Sheriff Alistair Watson described Brown’s downfall as “tragic” but said his sentence would be measured by public interest.

He said: “I do take account of everything said by Mr McLaughlin on your behalf.

“It’s a tragic tale that a man who has been working goes into the world of drug production and simply makes things so much worse.

“I have to think of public interest and the world of cocaine supply is having in this jurisdiction and in the wider area.” Brown was sentenced to two years and five months in prison, backdated to June 8.