A ‘go-between’ for dealers selling cocaine on the streets of Pendle has been locked up for two years three months.

Jobless addict Edward Geddes, 34, took drugs orders on his phone from users which he passed on to suppliers in Nelson over three days.

Geddes was said to have been ‘co-erced’ into acting on behalf of those further up the chain after running up a drug debt to the tune of £1,400, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told Geddes was caught out after the landlady of the Union Exchange pub in Colne had suspicions about what was going on in the toilets and called the police.

The defendant had two wraps of cocaine on him and while he was being searched at the police station his iPhone was flashing up messages from people wanting to buy drugs. Officers also found £225 cash on him.

Geddes, of Bevan Place, Nelson, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possessing the drug. He has 31 previous offences on his record. The defendant will not face a proceeds of crime hearing.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said police found three messages on the defendant's phone.

One asked: "Have you got a gram, pal."

The defendant was interviewed and put forward a written, prepared statement.

He admitted possessing cocaine, said it was for personal use and denied any intention to supply any drugs.

Mark Stuart, for Geddes, said he had no previous convictions for drugs.

He had been on benefits for some time and had found himself in great financial difficulties.

By February this year, he had got himself into £1,400 debt with drug dealers in Nelson who had laid-on cocaine to him. He was going to get a compensation payment and thought he would be able to pay.

Mr Stuart said: "He was a go- between. He hasn't got any of the trappings of wealth. He doesn't even possess his own motor vehicle."

Sentencing, Judge Jonathan Gibson told Geddes he was acting at a lower level with others at a higher level.

The judge said: "What you did, of course, facilitated their drug supplying and it was an important feature because it protected them."