A YOUNG man who began dealing cocaine to fund his own addiction to the drug has been jailed for 33 months.

Maverick Charters, 20, was left suffering from post-traumatic stress after his family was affected by major illness and the tragic death of his brother.

He got involved in dealing the class A drug, including at the popular Solfest music festival in 2017, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

Also in the dock were his former partner Holly McGregor, 25, who helped Charters deal cocaine because she feared he would dump her if she refused; and Morgan Jackson, just 17 when he was caught with drugs and around £6,500 in cash.

Beccy McGregor, prosecuting, said the dealing came to light when police were called to a car park in Skinburness Drive, Silloth, having received a report that youths there were taking drugs.

A car they had with them was searched. Inside police found a bag containing a BB gun, a knife, and 40 snap-bags containing 29 per cent pure cocaine worth £2,300.

The bags contained traces of a drug occasionally used with cocaine – a medicinal treatment for worm infections which can cause side-effects such as unpleasant skin problems.

Police found £2,495 in cash in the car; and at the pub where Jackson lives police recovered £3,980, money he said he was “looking after” for a dealer.

It represented about 176 potential street deals.

Charters, of Highfield Court, Wigton, admitted supplying cocaine, while McGregor, of Springfields, Wigton, admitted the same charge.

Jackson, of Curthwaite, Wigton, admitted being concerned with the supply of cannabis; possessing a bladed article; possessing cocaine with intent to supply; and possessing criminal cash.

Andrew Finlay, for Charters, said his stepfather was diagnosed with cancer and his mother had mobility issues. The defendant was her carer. After the death of his brother, Charters developed post-traumatic stress.

The family could not have coped without his help.

Emotionally immature, McGregor was “directed” by Charters.

She was a graduate, hoping to work with children, but had thrown away that opportunity. She was given two years jail, suspended for two years.

McGregor must complete 250 hours of unpaid work, and a six month 7pm to 7am curfew.

Jackson - described as a hard-working man who helps his father renovate houses - was given 18 months custody suspended for two years, with 250 hours unpaid work and a six month 7pm to 7am curfew.

Judge Peter Davies said: “Drug trafficking in Cumbria is becoming depressingly commonplace.

“You three were making it worse.”