A HEROIN addict who turned dealer to pay off a drugs debt was today starting a three-year jail term.

Alexander Gough, 32, was seen by police selling drugs to a user on the streets from the passenger seat of a car.

He had heroin stashed in his socks and more than £1,500 in notes on him and was enjoying a high standard of living even though he had no job, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The defendant, then of Claremont Street, Brierfield, but now of no fixed address, admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply, last September.

Sentencing, Recorder Alan Booth said there was no alternative to prison.

The judge confiscated the drugs, cash, 'paraphernalia' and car.

David Pickup, prosecuting, told the court a car was seen pull up next to a known drug user in Nelson.

Gough was in the passenger seat, there was an exchange through the window and the vehicle then drove off.

The car was stopped and the defendant detained.

In his socks were found six wraps of heroin of 42 per cent purity and in his trouser pocket Gough had £1, 580 in a large roll of bank notes.

He also had two mobile phones on the dashboard and a knife was in the passenger door pocket.

Mr Pickup said the defendant's then Brierfield home was searched and police found weighing scales, used needles and packaging.

Officers noted a high standard of living, with CDs, stereo systems, computer games and televisions and yet Gough had no legitimate means of funding his lifestyle.

When he was interviewed he made no comment.

Hugh Barton, defending, said Gough's adult life had been ruined by addiction.

He had been in the grip of it for the last 14 years.

Gough had built up a significant drug debt, was under pressure and his supplier asked if he would deal for him in return for three bags of heroin.