The founder of one of the best-known cafes in Brighton has been exposed as the mastermind behind a cocaine and amphetamine factory.

James Jansen opened the Frank-In-Steine cafe after converting the former public toilet block in Old Steine with his estranged wife Tracey five years ago.

Last year a second Frank-In-Steine cafe was opened next to the Palace Pier.

But Jansen, known as Frank, was arrested after police discovered drugs worth £200,000 in a unit he rented at an industrial estate in Laughton, near Lewes, a court heard.

Officers also found a hydraulic press, food mixers, a drum of caffeine and vacuum packing equipment used to mix and pack the drugs, it is alleged.

Jansen has admitted two charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine and amphetamine. Three other men linked to the drugs factory through DNA and fingerprint evidence are standing trial at Hove Crown Court.

Sven de Cauter, 29, of West Quay, Newhaven, John Morgan, 41, of Central Avenue, Telscombe Cliffs, and Dean Cumberpatch, 34, from Nottinghamshire, deny charges of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

Forensic scientist Lynne Hingley told the court she had examined items recovered from the unit at Stonecross Farm in January for DNA.

Traces recovered from two cigarette ends matched samples taken from de Cauter's mouth.

DNA matching Morgan's was found on a face mask, latex gloves and a mug in the unit while traces recovered from a swimming hat matched Cumberpatch.

Sussex Police fingerprint officer Adam Whitley said he matched four sets of fingerprints found at the scene to de Cauter and a left palm print to Morgan.

The court was read transcripts from police interviews with the three men.

Morgan told detective constable Alex Lowe he knew Jansen as Frank Johnston and had become friends with him through his work as a mechanic. Both men rented units at Quarry Road industrial estate, Newhaven, and Jansen was often getting his cars and motorcycles fixed by Morgan, the court heard.

He admitted to the officer he had bought a hydraulic press on Jansen's behalf through his contacts in the tool industry.

The prosecution say the press was used for preparing packages of drugs.

Morgan said he had helped Jansen tow some boats down to Spain by road.

He told police: "I consider him to be a friend and whatever he's done is not really any of my business."

In a further interview he denied ever visiting Stonecross Farm and could not explain how his DNA had been discovered on items there.

The trial continues.