A 37 year-old man who begged on the streets of Liverpool to get money to pay for drugs has been jailed for six years.

Thomas McKendrick of Oatfield Road, Anfield was arrested as he arrived at the Sea Terminal in Douglas on April 24.

He initially denied he had drugs but then admitted he had them stored internally.

He voluntarily produced a bag of heroin and another packet was later found when he was taken to prison.

After admitting three offences of possessing heroin, possessing with intent to supply and "protection" of the drug, McKendrick was jailed for six years.

The quantity of the drug involved had a street value of ?21,000.

Deemster Doyle said the type and quantity of the drug, the method of concealment and the fact McKendrick had taken it into the Island’s prison was serious, although he was given credit for an early plea of guilt.

Medical reports showed McKendrick was a sick man and the promise of heroin and ?200 led to him committing the offence.

When he has served his prison sentence he will be banned from the Isle of Man for five years.

(Picture: The courthouse at Douglas, where Thomas McKendrick was jailed).