[A] THREE-year jail term has been given to a man after heroin worth almost £4,000 was found in the loft of a Kendal house.
Ben Simmonite, 36, was initially arrested by police, on February 26 last year, over an alleged shoplifting offence.
But when officers searched the Broad Ing Crescent home he was sharing with his then partner, 26-year-old Sian Cherie Benson, a 55g class A substance stash was recovered. The heroin, mixed with caffeine, had a potential street value of £3,700.
A quality of plastic bags were also found, along with a small set of digital weighing scales.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Simmonite had travelled to Barrow to buy the drug, and then drawn Benson – a woman of previous good character – into his illegal operation.
Both defendants were sentenced today (WED) having admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply.
Simmonite, now of Rydal Road, Kendal, was locked up by Judge Peter Davies, who concluded he had “used” his then partner.
Benson’s two-year prison term was suspended for two years. She must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work, and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Detective Constable Ben Falvey said: “I am pleased that Simmonite and Benson have been brought before the courts to answer for their crimes. Drug dealing has a significant effect on the communities in which those supplying live, and we will not tolerate it. We will continue to make sure we track down and remove those involved from our streets.”
