By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 12:52, Wednesday, 20 February 2013

A man gave his landlord illegal drugs as a way of paying off his debt when he fell behind with rent.

Mark Hawkins, 35, found himself owing “a significant amount” to Darren Allen while renting a room at his home in Castlefield, Ambleside, Carlisle Crown Court heard. He asked him if he would accept cannabis instead of cash, telling him he could sell it to raise money in lieu of the rent.

Police raided the house and arrested both men after finding drugs.

And the pair stood side by side in the dock on Monday.

Hawkins, whose latest address was listed as Rydal Road, Ambleside, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, supplying it, and possessing the class B drug with intent to supply it.

He also admitted possessing a small amount of cocaine for his own use.

Allen pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply it.

Hawkins was given a nine-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, ordered to do 100 hours unpaid community work and must attend drug rehabilitation sessions.

Allen was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work.

First published at 12:51, Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk