Two drugs criminals have received prison sentences totalling almost a decade - thanks to eagle-eyed police.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how, after making a coincidental call to a petrol station on the city’s Currock Road, officers saw one man acting suspiciously.

Their enquiries on July 7 led to the arrest of 26-year-old Liverpool man James Disley, who was caught red-handed in possession of class A bulk heroin comprising more than 100 deals.

He was jailed for 40 months at the crown court last week having admitted possessing the drug with intent to supply.

Yesterday, a second man, from Carlisle, was also sentenced after the petrol station incident shed light on further crime.

Prosecutor Jamie Johnson said Mark Richard Davidson, 48, was found at a property subsequently visited by officers.

“As police were searching the property for evidence of drugs or other criminal activity, Mr Davidson was seen to remove his jacket and sit on it,” said Mr Johnston.

“Two large rocks” of heroin, valued at about £2,500, were found inside.

When Davidson’s home was searched, £1,410 cash and further drugs paraphernalia were found.

Davidson initially denied that he had anything to do with drugs but later admitted a charge of possessing heroin with intent to supply.

The court heard this was his third class A drugs supply offence, triggering a seven-year minimum-term prison sentence.

This was trimmed slightly in view of Davidson’s guilty plea with Judge Peter Hughes QC handing down a 67-month jail term.

Davidson, of Bower Street, was said to have 57 previous convictions for 185 criminal offences.

“You have one of the longest criminal records I think I have seen in recent years,” Judge Hughes told him.