Three spared jail after drugs find

JON MACPHERSON

THREE friends who were caught by police in a car supplying drugs have avoided jail.

Officers stopped Isaac Leemey, Liam Barton and Michael Young on Dunkenhalgh Way in Accrington and ‘immediately smelt cannabis’ when they opened the car door.

Burnley Crown Court heard how cannabis and mobile phones were seized from Leemey and Young and when all three were arrested and interviewed they denied any supply offences.

Leemey, 27, of Moorgate, Accrington; Barton, 25, of Bailey Close, Blackburn; and Young, 25, of Essex Close, Blackburn, all pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Leemey also pleaded guilty to offering to supply cocaine and Young pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Leemey was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years with supervision and rehabilitation activity requirements.

Barton was given a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

Young was given a ninemonth prison sentence suspended for two years with a 12-month supervision requirement, 100 hours unpaid work and a four-week curfew.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the men were spotted on Dunkenhalgh Way at 3.20pm on July 14, 2014 and the car was being driven by Barton, with Leemey in the front seat and Young in the back.

The court heard how Young immediately confessed to officers about having £100 of cannabis in his crotch area and police also found £40 of cannabis in Leemey’s jacket.

Mr Parker said: “Each of their mobile phones had to a greater of lesser extent texts messages relating to the supply of drugs.”

Philip Holden, defending Leemey, said he has no previous convictions, has not re-offended since the incident two years ago and has a ‘positive pre- sentence report’.

Nick Flanagan, defending Young, said he previously worked for a pension company and is a trained bricklayer and labourer.

He said he pleaded guilty to the offences a year ago and complies well with court orders.

James Heyworth, defending Barton, said he is ‘very different now to the young man who became involved in these offences’.

Recorder Philip Grund said that all three defendants had a ‘significant role’.