A notorious beggar known as Billy the Quid escaped a jail sentence for drug dealing after a judge said she was giving him a chance to put his life in order.

Sukhvender Singh Deo was caught supplying Class A drugs to undercover police officers in Medway.

Prosecutor Dale Sullivan said the 48-year-old paranoid schizophrenic handed over crack cocaine and heroin wraps at various locations in July last year.

Deo, of Leicester Road, Chatham, admitted four offences of supplying drugs after his arrest on March 22 this year.

“He said he thought he was doing a favour for drug users, rather than being part of the bigger operation,” prosecutor Dale Sullivan told Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Sullivan said Deo, who earned his nickname by aggressively asking people in Chatham High Street to give him £1, had 33 previous court appearances for 71 offences.

He was jailed in September 2015 for 120 days for breaching an ASBO banning him from “panhandling” (street begging).

Keith Yardy, defending said Deo’s “long-suffering” sister was in court to support him.

“On this occasion I am going to give you a chance to show you can put your life in order...” - Judge Adele Williams

“He has had some mental health problems, and more recently physical problems,” said Mr Yardy.

“He is lucid at the moment and not under the influence of any substances.

“He realises he has one chance.”

Suspending two years imprisonment for two years, Judge Adele Williams said: “On this occasion I am going to give you a chance to show you can put your life in order.”

The sentence included a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and to seek assistance from the drugs and mental health charity Turning Point.

“I am also going to keep tabs on you with regular reviews,” said the judge. “This is a real chance. Take advantage of it or you will find yourself in custody.”

Deo replied: “Thank you, your Honour.”