John Terry's father admits dealing cocaine

The father of Chelsea and England footballer John Terry pleaded guilty today to dealing cocaine.

Edward Terry, 56, of Chafford Hundred, Essex, admitted at Basildon Magistrates' Court to supplying a class A drug.

The court was told he supplied the drug to an undercover newspaper reporter in a winebar in Chafford Hundred in November last year.

Neil Saunders, for Terry, said his client had been "targeted" by journalists because he was John Terry's father.

Mr Saunders said his client was "embarrassed" because of the upset caused to his son.

Terry will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on June 1 and was released on bail.

Prosecutor Ricky Khagram said Terry had supplied drugs to a News of the World reporter called Dan Sanderson and been paid a total of £160.

Magistrates' chairman John Toplis said sentencing should be decided by a Crown Court judge, not by magistrates.

Terry spoke only to confirm his personal details and enter a guilty plea.