A Swindon drug dealer has been caught riding the streets with a large machete just two weeks after he was released from prison.

Leonard Howard, 20, of Harding Street in Swindon, was arrested on June 10, after he was seen wearing a black balaclava and riding an illegal e-bike in the Upham Road area.

He attempted to get away from the police, but when officers eventually caught him they found a large machete hidden in his trousers, as well as a mobile phone and a large amount of cash.

A search of his address found heroin, further drug paraphernalia and cash hidden there, and evidence on his phone also suggested he was involved in the supply of class A drugs around Swindon.

His arrest took place just two weeks after Howard had been released from prison.

Appearing in Swindon Crown Court on Tuesday, September 3, Howard pleaded guilty to being in the supply of heroin between May and June 2024, and for being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He has now been sentenced to two and a half years in jail.

“I welcome the custodial sentence he has been given," said PC Aidan Hillier, of the serious youth gang violence team.

“We understand the public are concerned when they see people riding around on illegal electric bikes wearing balaclavas - it causes fear of harm amongst residents and that is why creating safer public spaces is a force priority.

"We will proactively target those causing harm within our communities.”