Nelson teen became drug runner with housemate

Jordan Coop, who was 18 at the time of the offences and had never been in trouble, shared a phone with the friend.

The would take orders and then respond to the man running a Burnley and Nelson street dealing ring, telling him who they had supplied to and how much they had sold, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Builder’s labourer Coop, now 20 and formerly of Castle Street, admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin.

He was given two years in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £100 costs.

Mr Huw Edwards (prosecuting) said the defendant and his friend shared a phone and whoever was on duty had it with them. Coop, he said, had a “subordinate” role.

He was arrested and said he knew the friend was supplying drugs, but he did not take part.

The former housemate is serving two years and four months behind bars after being convicted of being concerned in the supply of heroin in the case.

Keith Harrison, for Coop, said the defendant had pleaded guilty and was remorseful. “Really, this trouble came to him, rather than him to it.”

He said Coop had probably been needy and immature at the time and added: “It’s a very sad fall from grace for somebody of good character.”

Passing sentence, Judge Beverley Lunt said Coop had now given up his own use of any drugs and was out of the area.

His friend, however, had been in trouble and involved in drug dealing before and knew exactly what he was getting involved in when he agreed to take the orders and supply the drugs. The benefit to Coop was very little.

Judge Lunt said the defendant had certainly been immature and stupid, but it would not be just to take away his home and job.

She warned him: “Keep out of trouble for the rest of your life, let alone the next two years.”