A RABBI accused of running a drugs supply operation sought solace in cocaine and prostitutes after the death of his wife, a court heard.

Rabbi Baruch Chalomish's wife, Freda, died of liver cancer aged 40 in 1996.

The rabbi, a wealthy property developer, sank into depression and led a secret life, spending £1,000 a week on cocaine and using prostitutes at a hotel in Manchester, a jury was told.

It was alleged that the rabbi fell into the grips of a convicted drug dealer, Nasir Abbas, who organised his drugs and procured the prostitutes for him.

Chalomish, 54, of Upper Park Road, Salford, had admitted possessing drugs but denies two counts of supplying Class A drugs.

Opening the defence for Rabbi Chalomish, Jonathan Goldberg QC told the jury at Manchester Crown Court: "In essence the defence of Rabbi Baruch Chalomish amounts to this: he was a pillar of his community. But he had a secret life since his wife died, to whom he was completely devoted."

He continued: "First he became an alcoholic and then when that gave him no relief in recent years he turned to cocaine."

Mr Goldberg said Chalomish had never sold drugs and only used it for personal consumption.

Mr Goldberg said that although it was shameful for someone in the Jewish community to admit it, Rabbi Chalomish had been a 'broken man' and had resorted to using prostitutes.

The court had earlier heard how police raided an apartment at Shudehill, Manchester, on January 5, and found 50 grams of cocaine, cutting agents used to dilute the drugs and digital scales as well as £2,555 in cash. Chalomish and Abbas were found there.

Police then raided the rabbi's home in an orthodox Jewish community and found a further 50 grams of cocaine and another £15,345 in cash, the jury heard.

Abbas, 54, of Manchester Road, Chorlton, denies a charge of supplying Class A drugs. He is being tried in his absence as he failed to surrender to bail.

Supreme Court solicitor Joseph Pearlman, 65, a business partner, brother-in-law and 'father figure' to Rabbi Chalomish, told court the defendant had a fortune of between £5m-£6m.

The rabbi, a grandfather, had never got over the death of his first wife, he said.

Proceeding