By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 12:52, Saturday, 27 October 2012

A man who was given a lump sum payment following the death of his wife used the money to buy the illegal drug mephedrone in bulk.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how police who raided the Egremont home of George Drinkwater, 43, found a stash of the class B drug worth £337, along with £1,400 in cash. The defendant, of Brisco Mount, pleaded guilty to possessing the drug – also known as ‘plant food’ – with intent to supply it to others.

He pleaded guilty on the basis that he supplied the drug to a small group of adult friends in his social circle.

When he was interviewed by police, he told officers he was a heavy user of the drug.

In the dock with him yesterday was 44-year-old Jacqueline Boyd, of South View Road, Whitehaven, who pleaded guilty to possessing the class B prescription drug diazepam with intent to supply it to others.

In her police interview, Boyd refused to comment.

Her defence barrister Rod Halligan said she was unable to work due to stress and anxiety but she has been through a detoxification process and was no longer addicted.

The court heard that Boyd has no previous criminal convictions.

Passing sentence, Judge Paul Batty QC said it was always sad to see people of the age of the two defendants in court for such offences.

Given the limited extent of Drinkwater’s dealing, the judge said he was prepared to suspend for two years the six months jail term he imposed on the defendant.

In addition, he imposed a curfew on which will be electronically monitored for the next three months.

Boyd was given 12 months supervision and told to do 120 hours unpaid work in the community. Both defendants must pay £500 towards the costs of their prosecution.

She must also attend a Cumbria drug awareness course.

First published at 11:27, Saturday, 27 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk