A DRUG addict found in possession of high purity cocaine has been spared immediate prison.

Thirteen individual wraps of the class A substance were seized from 21-year-old Dale Curtis following his arrest in Carlisle on September 5.

Cocaine in eight of these wraps was said to have a purity of almost 80 per cent - well above that usually found on the street.

Curtis was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today having admitted possessing the drug with intent to supply.

Judge Peter Hughes QC heard he had been buying cocaine - and dealing some - to fund a six-year-old addiction.

But Curtis, a man of previous good character who had spent much of his life in Cumbria, had taken steps to kick the habit.

As a result, Judge Hughes said he would suspend a 24-month jail term for two years.

Curtis, of Wensleydale Road, Darlington, must complete a 25-day rehabilitation requirement and pay £1,200 court costs.