John Terry's father admits dealing cocaine

The father of Chelsea and England footballer John Terry pleaded guilty today to supplying cocaine to an undercover newspaper reporter.

Unemployed Edward Terry, 56, of Chafford Hundred, Essex, admitted during a hearing before magistrates in Basildon, Essex, to supplying 3.5g (0.1oz) of the class A drug to a News of the World journalist in November last year.

A judge is due to sentence Terry on June 1 - less than two weeks before England's first game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - at Basildon Crown Court.

Magistrates were told that Terry had been paid £160.

Prosecutor Ricky Khagram said Terry met Dan Sanderson - who was posing as a chauffeur - at a wine bar near his home and offered to supply the drug.

A defence lawyer said Terry had been "targeted" by the newspaper because he was John Terry's father.

Neil Saunders told the court in mitigation that Terry was "embarrassed" for the upset he had caused to his son.

"(He) was targeted by the News of the World," Mr Saunders told the court. "They spent seven weeks, four nights a week, trying to find out something about him to use on the front page."

Mr Saunders said Terry had been out with friends and had drunk a "considerable amount".

He added: "Of course he is embarrassed for the upset he has caused to his son - and that is the reason he was targeted."

Presiding magistrate John Toplis said the case was "unusual" and ruled that a Crown Court judge should pass sentence.

Terry, who was released on bail, left court without comment and spoke only to confirm his personal details and enter a guilty plea during the hearing.