THREE youths involved in a plot to peddle drugs to undercover police have paid the price with their liberty -- to a tune of almost 10 years.

Lee Howarth, 19, of Reynolds Street, Burnley, who took part in 11 deals of cocaine or amphetamine when £16,000 cash was handed over, was jailed for five years.

Christopher Smith, 18, now living in Leicester, who was a 'go-between' was given a three-year sentence.

Gavin Kirkham, 20, of Padgate Place, Burnley, involved in the supply of only cannabis, who sold a 9oz bar for nearly £600, got 21 months. All were sent to a Young Offenders' Institution.

Sentencing the three, Judge Ian Webster said he accepted undercover officers in Operation Canberra used 'entrapment' -- but it was the only way of detecting and successfully prosecuting drug dealers.

Howarth admitted two counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply amphetamine. Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine. Kirkham admitted conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Burnley Crown Court heard Howarth was involved in selling cocaine to the tune of £7,700 and amphetamine for £8,680 to the undercover officers, over five months. Smith was involved in nine deals over two months, when over £8,000 was exchanged for drugs. Kirkham, who had no previous convictions, was brought in as the 'stepping stone, the initial start' in the dealing.

Neil Fitzgibbons, for Howarth, said he was extremely immature, lacking in self-respect and self esteem and at school had been educationally backwards. He was put under continual pressure by the officers and was 'seduced' by them.

Howarth was almost pleased when he was arrested and his activities had devastated his entire family. The defendant got about £1,000 for 11 trips, but wasn't living the life of a serious, evil drug trader. He was living a hand-to-mouth existence.

Bill Maude, defending Kirkham and Smith, said officers encouraged Kirkham to sell cannabis by offering him cheap beer.

He was not a commercial supplier and was persuaded to act in a way in which he would not normally have done. When he was arrested he had a full-time job, lost that, but now worked in a bakery. A lengthy custodial sentence was not necessary.

For Smith, Mr Maude said he was a 'go-between.' He was a willing participant at first, but was then 'sucked into' the conspiracy.

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