[A] MAN caught peddling class A drugs in Carlisle city centre has been jailed by a judge who warned that such illegal activity is “going to stop”.
Liam Benfield’s criminal conduct came to the attention of police after he was found inside a locked toilet cubicle at Botchergate’s Walkabout bar on June 25.
Officers recovered 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine, valued at around £1,250 from 27-year-old Benfield, along with hundreds of pounds cash. It emerged he had turned to dealing under pressure to pay off a previously-accrued debt.
Benfield, of Insall Road, Liverpool, admitted possessing the two class A drugs with intent to supply, and having criminal property.
At Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI), he received a prison sentence of three years and eight months.
Judge Peter Davies heard of the negative community impact posed by illegal substance supply.
He stated: “I have had a lot of cases in the last 12-18 months where Carlisle is being used as a turf for drug dealers – and it is going to stop.”
