By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 12:15, Tuesday, 24 November 2009

An addict tried to cheat two would-be buyers in a drug deal – not knowing they were undercover police, a court heard.

Michael Winder, 31, was trying to fund his own habit by deceiving what he thought were drug customers, but ended up being caught in a cover sting.

Winder, of Percy Road, Longsowerby, Carlisle, was one of a string of drug criminals caught in an operation targeting street-level heroin supply in the city centre earlier this year.

Winder appeared before Carlisle Crown Court yesterday, where he admitted offering to supply heroin.

The court heard that the two undercover officers were sitting on benches near The Citadel in Carlisle city centre on April 7 when they were approached by Winder. He spoke to them about buying heroin.

They went to nearby Spencer Street where he told the officers that if they gave him cash he would get drugs for them.

He was given £10 and then headed into an alleyway.

When he returned, he passed officers a white wrap and left.

This turned out to be an empty cigarette paper.

After being arrested he told police he was a user and had never dealt heroin.

He claimed he took the cash but never intended to give them any drugs.

The court was also told that on August 30 he was searched by police and found to have a £10 wrap of heroin, which he said was for his own use.

Winder was sentenced to undergo a 12-month community order for each charge, to run concurrently.

He will undergo drug rehabilitation as part of the order and be supervised.

First published at 11:18, Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk