A drug dealer has been hit with a hefty prison sentence for his third heroin supply conviction.

Carlisle man Nicholas Eric Trevor, 39, was sentenced at the city’s crown court after pleading guilty to three drugs offences.

He admitted two counts of possessing class A heroin with intent to supply, on April 15, and possession of crack cocaine.

With two heroin supply crimes already on his criminal record, Trevor chalked up a ‘third strike’ and found himself subject to a minimum seven-year prison term.

Having received a “discount” for his guilty pleas to the latest charges, Trevor was jailed for a total of five years and eight months by Recorder Mark Ainsworth.

Beccy McGregor, prosecuting, told the court that police saw Trevor in the area of Myddleton Street and Aglionby Street in the early hours of April 15.

He was twice seen to discard items – later found to be heroin – before trying to flee the scene on a bicycle.

However, he was detained by officers.

He was subjected to an intimate search in custody and this revealed a wrap of crack cocaine concealed.

“He stated to officers ‘I forgot I had that; I thought I dropped it; it is rock’,” said Ms McGregor.

Another bag of heroin was later seized from his home along with weighing scales.

“He said he occasionally supplied heroin to his partner, and also that there may be drugs texts on his mobile phone but that this would not relate to him selling to others,” said Ms McGregor.

But the prosecutor stressed: “It is accepted it is a matter of street dealing.”

The drugs seized from Trevor had an estimated street value of about £4,150, the court was told.

He was said to have 20 convictions for 50 previous criminal offences – 10 involving drugs.

And he had received significant jail terms in both 2005 and 2011 for the possession of heroin with intent to supply.

Paul Tweddle, defending, said Trevor had arrived at court on time ahead of his sentencing hearing.

But the defendant then left the building without warning after it was confirmed that a minimum seven-year term of custody lay in wait.

When he arrived back at court a short time later he was remanded in custody, the judge was told.

However, Mr Tweddle sought to explain Trevor’s actions.

“He went home to collect a bag and came back,” said the lawyer.

“He came to court with his eyes open, knowing what was likely to happen.”