Steroid user Stuart Mackin, known across Sunderland as Mackay, came to detectives' attention after they were tipped off by residents about suspicious behaviour at his home.

Mackin, who worked as a bouncer at a city centre nightspot, was making his way to work when a team of officers swooped on his car and searched it.

They found Mackin, who admitted to using steroids for 17 years, was carrying a large quantity of Class A and Class B drugs, including cocaine, and a weapon.

He was arrested, questioned and later charged with eight drugs offences and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon.

Officers then raided the 30-year-old's Hill View Road home, where a search unearthed another stash of drugs.

In April, Mackin appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to supplying a Class A drug. Just days ago, Mackin reappeared at the court for sentencing.

Stuart Spragg, defending, told the court Mackin was struggling to come to terms with his steroid abuse – a drug he started using at the age of 13.

He said the body-conscious bouncer had found it difficult to cope with being diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006 after repeatedly using sunbeds and losing two of his pals to the disease in 2008.

Mackin was given five years behind bars.

Detectives working on the case have welcomed the news that another drug dealer has been taken off the city's streets.

Detective Inspector Mark Ord said: "Drugs bring harm, misery and distress to the lives of too many people.

"This sentence is a significant move in our effort to disrupt the supply of drugs on the streets of Sunderland."

Police are applying for a confiscation order to get back Mackin's ill-gotten gains.