A victim of Storm Desmond who turned to drug dealing after his property was flooded has been jailed for 18 months.

Carlisle Crown Court heard 31-year-old Adam Bendjerad "hit a low spot in his life" after losing his city home and uninsured possessions in last December's devastation.

When Bendjerad drove his car into a lamp post in Carlisle two months later, police found illegal substances in his car and then recovered more during a house search.

Analysis of his mobile phone revealed text traffic linking him to drug dealing.

Bendjerad was sentenced today having pleaded guilty to seven offences. These included possessing class C diazepam with intent to supply, on February 20, and attempting to supply class B cannabis several weeks earlier.

Judge Peter Davies imposed an immediate prison sentence after hearing Bendjerad, of Cumrew Close, Carlisle, had other drug supply and driving offences on his criminal record.

Judge Davies told him the most recent illegal activity "undermines the sincerity and compassion" which was due following the floods.