The raid had been instigated after a police community support officer had earlier seen drugs in the till at the store, which is also home to a post office.

Prosecuting, Timothy Forster told Isleworth Crown Court on Friday that Azam was not present at the time of the raid, but when he returned insisted "the drugs were all mine".

Mr Forster added: "The defendant's drug dealing was on a small scale and he supplied the drugs to support the funding of his habit."

At an earlier hearing Azam, of Browning Way, Heston, had admitted possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of class C drugs with intent to supply.

Defending, Grahame James said his client was on a rehabilition programme to cope with his addictions.

He added: "He stressed to police that his father and brother, who were in the shop at the time of the raid, had nothing to do with the drug dealing.

"The greater punishment for the defendant is the effect on the family who have been ostracised by members of the community, causing them pain and loss."

Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson said: "The most serious aspect is the fact the shop is frequented by children where drugs are kept in and around the till. I cannot think of a less responsible thing."

Azam was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the class A charge and nine months for the class C.

Both sentences will run concurrently.

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