A DISTRICT judge has warned that recreational drugs ruin lives as two students appeared in court charged with class A drug offences.

Josephine Templeton, 20, and George Osborne, 21, admitted being in possession of MDMA and cannabis at Kendal Calling in July last year.

Each facing two charges, the pair appeared at the magistrates' court in Carlisle yesterday and received a stark warning from district judge Gerald Chalk.

He said: "It's very sad that two people who are clearly intelligent were involved in something quite serious.

"I hope you have learned your lesson.

"People who deal drugs end up in prison, because what they are dealing with is evil.

"If you had worked in a court as long as most people here, you would see people's lives are ruined by misuse of drugs."

Both defendants have no previous convictions and said the incident has changed their outlook.

Rachel Dixon, who was representing Templeton, of Dearham, said the student had taken steps and no longer uses drugs. She also wants to teach others about the consequences of taking illegal substances.

"She is remorseful about what has happened and has taken steps to move away from this behaviour," said Miss Dixon.

Osborne, of Chillingham Road, Newcastle, was represented by Rachel Ottley.

She told the court he had been involved with drugs since the age of 14 but since being arrested at the music festival last summer has not taken any drugs and has also resumed his studies at university in Newcastle.

They each received a £120 fine for being in possession of MDMA and an £80 fine for being in possession of cannabis.

Judge Chalk also ordered them to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

He told them: "Don't come back to court."

Cumbria Police reported a fall in drug related crimes at last year's festival, which was attended by about 30,000 people. There were three drug-related arrests.

Police dogs were drafted in in 2017 and following a positive response, their numbers were increased in 2018. There were searches at the gate and amnesty bins were widely used as well as a drugs testing service.