Brierfield drugs dealer is behind bars now

Imran Hussain, who had been spotted by plain clothes police fiddling with something and then leaving the vehicle, claimed drugs found on him were for his own personal use. He then “concocted a story”, telling a jury he had found them wrapped in a cigarette packet he had taken them off some children while watching a football match. He later claimed they had been left in the car by a dealer but said he had not wanted to give that evidence at trial, for fear of recrimination, Burnley Crown Court heard,

The defendant, who blew an £8,000 bank loan entirely on drugs in one year, was a regular user of crack cocaine by 2009. He was said by the prosecution to be higher up the chain than a low level street dealer and the Volkswagen Golf car was not registered in his name so if it was found by police, the drugs would not be traced to him. He had parked his own vehicle nearby and walked to the Golf.

Hussain (28), of Edge End Avenue, Brierfield, was recently convicted by the jury of possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply in June last year. He denied the allegations and was said to still protest his innocence. Sentencing him, Recorder M. Willems told him: “You are rightly described as being ashamed of the shame and distress you are causing your family.”

Mr David Farley (prosecuting) told the court police saw the defendant in a red Golf car in Thomas Street, and were suspicious.

He got out of the vehicle, started to walk up the street, officers tried to speak to him and he ran off. He was caught a short distance away.

Mr Farley said Hussain had empty drug packaging in his left hand. In his trouser pocket, he had two large bags of heroin to the tune of up to £400 and a clingfilm wrap of coaine.The vehicle was searched and more drug packaging was discovered. When he arrived at the police station, the defendant produced another wrap of cocaine from his front pocket.

Hussain, who had a record going back to 2002, but no similar convictions, had been on remand 42 days. He will face a proceeds of crime hearing on June 16th.

Miss Katherine Pierpoint, for Hussain, said: “He still maintains he did not have drugs in his possession with intent to supply to others, but he appreciates he must be sentenced on that basis. He is fully aware he will receive a prison sentence today and a sentence of some length.”

He was not used to prison, had not found the last 42 days easy and was worried about the effects on his family. Hussain was now said to be drug-free. He had already enrolled on an IT course and intended to use his time in custody positively.

Miss Pierpoint told the court Hussain had several sisters, was perhaps seen as their “wayward” brother and it may be they had despaired of his behaviour over the years, although in the past it had been petty crime. They understood the court’s duty. but still stood by him.

The barrister added: “It may be very much by now that he is a young man who has perhaps learned his lesson.”