A 51-year-old man accused of being an amphetamine dealer has been cleared.

Mumtaz Khan, of Springhill Road, Oswaldtwistle, was found not guilty of three drugs charges by the jury on the direction of Judge Christina Lyon, after a four day trial.

The defendant's barrister Adam Watkins had successfully submitted there was no case to answer.

Khan, who had been on bail awaiting the case for two and half years, was discharged from the dock by the judge.

After Judge Lyon's move, Khan's solicitor Janet Sime said: "It was the correct decision."

Burnley Crown Court had heard claims the defendant was involved in drugs sales in Oswaldtwistle.

Prosecutor David Temkin had initially alleged the defendant was high up the chain of supply, but later withdrew the allegation.

Khan was accused of providing a man named Kevin Barsky with amphetamine, which was then sold to undercover police.

The court had been told when Khan was arrested, he denied being involved in supplying drugs and made no comment when charged.

Khan had pleaded not guilty to being concerned in making an offer to supply 595 grammes of amphetamine on September 20 2005, being concerned in supplying 508 grammes of the drug on September 30 and possessing 531 grammes of amphetamine with intent to supply on April 19 2006.