A drug dealer caught with high purity cocaine close to a Lake District beauty spot has been locked up for four years.

Colin Neale, 32, was arrested by police while parked in a layby at Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, on 4th May.

Two packages containing more than 12g of the class A drug were found in his vehicle.

Mobile phone evidence revealed that Neale had been dealing cocaine to others during the previous three months.

At Carlisle Crown Court today (MON), Neale was sent to prison having entered a guilty plea to supplying the illegal substance.

Neale also admitted possessing cannabis and diazepam on the same date, along with a knuckleduster.

He was said to have unsuccessfully tried to discard the offensive weapon when been approached by police.

The court heard Neale, of Grasslot, Maryport, had suffered severe health problems brought on by his misuse of drugs.