A serving prisoner from Carlisle who plotted to supply drugs while behind bars has been told he faces a “significant” additional jail term.

Stuart Brian Hardy, 28, was unanimously cleared of a charge alleging conspiracy to supply class A heroin yesterday, following a week-long trial at the city’s crown court.

However, Hardy - a convicted criminal currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for previous offending - had earlier pleaded guilty to two offences. These were conspiring to supply both class B amphetamine and also the psychoactive substance spice - crimes committed while he was locked up.

Hardy had stood trial in front of a jury alongside 47-year-old Avril Kay Fallows, who was convicted, unanimously, of conspiracy to supply heroin.

Jurors had heard Fallows - who denied the charge - was in a relationship with Hardy’s father, 48-year-old Stuart Lee Hardy.

She had started living with him in Yewdale Road, Carlisle, where police found about £35,000 of heroin.

Hardy senior has been remanded in custody after admitting conspiracy to supply heroin.

Adjourning the sentencing of all three to a future date, Judge Peter Davies told Hardy junior, previously of Scalegate Road: “You can expect a significant custodial sentence.” The judge added: “The sentence which will be imposed by me will be consecutive.”

Observing that his crime was committed while in prison, serving a seven-year stretch, Judge Davies stated: “That means it is due a premium sentence.”

Fallows, of Wedgewood Road, Flimby was granted bail ahead of the sentencing hearing “as an act of mercy”. She was told she must surrender her passport and any other travel documents within 24 hours.

“You have been convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin, which is particularly serious and grave,” Judge Davies told Fallows.

She heard the sentencing term starting point for her crime was two-and-a-half years. And, of the punishment hearing, The judge added: “You have to understand that unless there is something which is quite unforeseen and unexpected, I can’t imagine anything other than an immediate custodial sentence.”