A FORMER marine has been jailed for four years for dealing crack cocaine and heroin.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Scott Pettit had started using heroin and cocaine after being discharged from the Army with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder nearly 25 years ago, and had to resort to dealing to fund his habit.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and cocaine between March 2014 and August 2016.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said Pettit was arrested when police searched a property he was staying in in Horne Street, Accrington. Officers found 25.2 grams of heroin, with an estimated value of £1,670, and 3.81 grams of cocaine with an estimated value of £500.

He said: “As well as the drugs, officers found £200 in cash, tick lists, spoons and packaging.

“A number of mobile phones were also recovered and from two of those phones there were messages indicative of the defendant's involvement in drug supply going back to 2014.

“He was interviewed on December 12 when he said the drugs were his and the money was rent money. He claimed he used £120 worth of heroin and £220 worth of cocaine every day.

“He was then arrested on June 1, 2016 when he was found down an alley with £220 in cash and mobile phones containing drug related messages.

“Officers searched his property where they found digital scales that tested positive for cocaine and heroin, a drug dealer's check list and mobile phones.

"He was released on police bail and arrested on August 17 2016 when police officers on patrol found him in a back alley in Frederick Street, Accrington.

“He was searched and found with £104 in cash and four mobile phones containing a number of drug messages. Officers made a search of the area and found £165 hidden in a wall a short distance away.”

Defending Holly Betke said Pettit was ‘at the end’ of the dealing chain and was to fund his habit, not his lifestyle.

She said: “He is not going on fancy holidays or living an extravagant lifestyle.

“He served in the army from the age of 16 until 19 and left with post-traumatic stress disorder for which he has had counselling but the issue was not fully addressed.

“He took drugs to battle with his thoughts, which became a lifestyle that he has been living for nearly 30 years and up until recently, funding with petty theft."

Judge Recorder Mark Laprelle said “It’s frustrating, I can’t help but have some sympathy for you, you were a marine, you served in Iraq and came back with PTSD."

“You are the bottom of the food chain of suppliers.

“You have ruined your health, your life, your financial position and who knows how it will change when you come out.”