Two Carlisle heroin addicts drawn into class A drug trafficking after building up debts with their dealers have been sentenced.
The city's crown court heard how both Terry Glencross, 39, and 55-year-old Gillian Proud were pressured by criminals to get involved in an illegal supply operation in exchange for having their arrears wiped out.
When Glencross's car was stopped by police in Carlisle on September 6, 2017, it was found to contain heroin and crack cocaine with a potential street value of more than £700. He was tasked as a "runner" and directed by an unidentified dealer known only as "Jonno" to deliver illicit substances to customers and collect cash.
Police also visited Proud's Ridley Road home, which contained heroin and crack cocaine worth £2,500. She had been coerced into letting her address be used by crooks as a depot for the collection and distribution of drugs - a process known as "cuckooing".
She told police "Jonno" had threatened to "smash her face in" and "set fire to her house". Both she and Glencross, of York Gardens, Carlisle, were arrested, later admitting heroin and crack cocaine possession with intent to supply.
At the crown court today, Glencross was jailed for 21 months having assumed a more significant role. Proud's 18-month jailed term was suspended for two years. She must also complete rehabilitation and a six-month night-time curfew. "You were both involved in drug trafficking," Judge Peter Davies told the pair.
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