A HEROIN dealer who was selling drugs to raise cash as his benefits did not stretch far enough has been jailed for 28 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Martin Crawford, 20, was found with 11 wraps of heroin when he was stopped by police last September.

He also had cannabis, and £300 cash.

Crawford, of Cog Lane, Burnley, admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply, and possessing cannabis.

Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, said, on September 26, police saw Crawford on a bike and tried to get him to stop.

There was a short chase and, when he was appreh-ended, he handed over a silver ball containing cannabis.

He was searched and 11 wraps of heroin were discovered in a pocket. A drugs dog searched the course of the chase and found more cannabis.

Miss Dacre said the total amount of heroin found was 2.21 grams, of 12per cent purity and worth £110 on the streets.

The 22.54 grams of cannabis was worth £225.

Crawford claimed he was selling drugs to avoid carrying out further burglaries.

Miss Dacre added: “He was selling drugs to raise money. He was signing on and wanted more money than he was getting from the dole, in effect.”

Richard Taylor, for Crawford, said he had limit-ations. He was illiterate and did not have the int-ellectual skills to make any change.

The solicitor continued: “He had no comprehension as to the serious nature of these matters.

“He was an easy target for those far more sophisticated in selling drugs.

“He was approached.”

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt said the defen-dant knew what he was doing, and decided to do it to make money.

She told him: “You never take the decision to sell drugs for money. It’s that simple.

“It was a bad decision.

“You knew how serious it was.”