A 59-YEAR-OLD man has been warned he faces an immediate prison sentence after he admitted to drug dealing.

Appearing in the dock at Burnley Crown Court, Anthony Ford, of Peel Street, Padiham, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and Diazepam with intent to supply them. But he denied a count of possessing cannabis saying he ‘wasn’t going to be railroaded’ by the authorities.

By committing the drug-dealing offences Ford put himself in breach of a suspended sentence given to him by Judge Beverley Lunt for drug offences.

The case was adjourned until February 28 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. The authorities will also look into allegations the defendant was being coerced by others.

Prosecuting, AnthonyParkinson said: “A member of the public has contacted the police. There appears to have been an affray, with someone holding a handgun or imitation handgun. It was when they attended the defendant’s property they found him carrying a black bag containing the drugs.”

Defending, Philip Holden said: “There are some text messages which reflect a course of conduct.”

Judge Beverley Lunt said: “You must come back to this court on February 28 when you will be sentenced. You know I am looking at an immediate custodial sentence because you are in breach of my suspended sentence and I warned you what would happen if you breached it. But I want to know what has been going on in your life before I pass sentence.”

Ford was given unconditional bail to return to Burnley Crown Court for sentence.