Jail for Burnley heroin dealer

Addict Peter Turner (53) had been rumbled when a car police had kept watch on in Bradford was stopped in Burnley.

Turner, who was the passenger, was arrested and told police he had three bags of drugs in his coat pocket.

The 81.9g. of heroin, which had a purity of 63% had a potential street value of £8,190, the town’s crown court was told.

Turner, who has previous convictions for possessing ecstasy and amphetamine with intent to supply, had claimed to officers he had bought the three bags of heroin for £200.

The defendant, of Lindsay Street, admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply.

Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Gibson said the defendant would have benefitted financially from the operation, which may well have involved other people.

He said: “You know as well as I do I can’t back away from an immediate custodial sentence when you have had in your possession such a quantity of drugs with intent.”

Miss Jane Dagnall (prosecuting) said: “He refused to say where he bought the drugs from and said he had not been to Yorkshire to buy heroin, but had been there for his friend to buy tobacco. He said he didn’t intend to sell the drugs on.”

Turner had 11 offences on his record, six of which were for drugs.

Mr Bob Sastry (defending) said Turner had long-standing difficulties with heroin. The defendant was now using methadone to try and wean himself off heroin.