Padiham drug 'dealer' had stash of cannabis under bed

Unemployed Curtis Carlin (23) bought the drug in bulk and told police any profit he made would pay for his own cannabis. Phone evidence showed four friends asking for the drug.

Burnley Magistrates' Court was told the 190 grammes of cannabis were found when police went to Carlin's then home on Stockbridge Road, in relation to a wanted man.

They went in his room, looked under his bed, lifted up the mattress and discovered the cannabis in a drawstring bag.

The court heard Carlin, who told police he wasn't addicted to cannabis, didn't think he needed the intervention of Inspire (the treatment service).

The defendant was questioned by officers after the discovery and said it was his mother's house. Mrs Tracy Yates, prosecuting, told the hearing: "He accepted he would have sold to a small group of friends at cost price. He would buy in bulk and any profit would pay for his cannabis. He said he did not supply for commercial gain."

Mrs Yates, who said the offence carries up to three years in custody, added Carlin has a record for cannabis offences.

Mr David Leach, defending, told the hearing: "It's not street dealing. This isn't a young man who was making a living. There is no evidence it was going beyond that circle. It was a group of friends."

The solicitor said Carlin had used cannabis frequently. He had been financially supported by his mum until she died in the early part of this year.

Mr Leach went on: "She was only 48 when she sadly passed away and that's had a profound effect upon the defendant. He is now living with his sister and he knows that he needs to make an application for benefits."

The lawyer continued: "He's said to me today that he is going to get a decent job and have no further involvement with the criminal justice system."

Carlin, of Milton Street, Padiham, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply, last September 27th.

He was given a 12-month community order, with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and must do 200 hours unpaid work.

The defendant was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £85 victim surcharge.

District Judge James Clarke told him: "As a general rule, drug dealers go to prison. That's the starting point." He added: "There is a drug problem."