A DRUG dealer turned back to substance abuse after witnessing a murder, a court heard.

Marcel Davies suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, bought on when he was the main witness a murder probe in 2016.

The 43-year-old, who appeared at Southampton Crown Court with co-defendant Laura Rodham, had curbed his drug offending after a long history of substance abuse.

But Davies was jailed for more than three years after he and Rodham were caught with hundreds of pounds worth of drugs in McDonald’s car park, Harbour Parade, when they were pulled over by officers.

Daniel Sawyer, prosecuting, said police believed Rodham was involved in shoplifting offences earlier in the day.

But when they saw the pair seemed “more nervous that normal suspects in shoplifting”.

Mr Sawyer said that Davies and Rodham were searched by officers and that Rodham, 23, tried to hide drugs in her bra.

He added that that in total more than £1,000 worth of crack cocaine, heroin and diamorphine were found, as well as digital scales and a Stanley knife in the lining of Rodham’s handbag.

The court heard that Davies had previously been jailed for 13 years for his part in a drug probe.

However, Dave Povall, mitigating, said that Davies cleaned up until he witnessed a murder in London in 2016.

“The murder case effected Davies,” Mr Povall said: “It was an appalling situation for him. This led to him going back to taking and selling drugs, and he left London in his car and came to Southampton. He said he enjoyed Southampton as he finds it peaceful watching the boats on the docks.”

He added: “He has gone through oblivion because of drugs.”

Jamie Gammon, representing Rodham, added that his client was “remorseful” and still young enough to change her life around.

Davies, of HMP Highdown, and Rodham, of Millbrook Road East, both admitted three charges of possessing a class A substance with intent to supply.

Rodham also pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Davies was sentenced to three-and-a-half years’ jail. Rodham was given two years behind bars, suspended for two years.