TWO men have admitted supplying drugs to a 14-year-old girl who had run away from home.

The vulnerable youngster had been living with Iftiikhar Asghar, 34, at his home in Exchange Street, Accrington, after sleeping rough for a number of days.

At Preston Crown Court, Asghar, along with friend Araf Hussain, 35, of Percival Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to offering to supply cannabis to the girl.

Judge Richard McCombe said their behaviour had been "appalling". They were sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

Judge McCombe said: "You became involved in a situation where a runaway girl of only 14 years old came into your care. Such young children are extremely vulnerable and you should have reported the matter immediately to the authorities.

"Instead you let her indulge in possibly alcohol and certainly in illegal drugs. You should be thoroughly ashamed of what you have done.

"Mercifully she was taken out of your custody before any serious harm came to her."

The court heard that the 14-year-old was reported as missing from home by her parents on Sunday October 1 last year.

Joanne Rodikis, prosecuting said: "On October 3 she found her way to Mr Asghar's house.

"The girls told Mr Asghar that she was only 14 and had run away from home. She was told that she could stay for as long as she wanted."

Mrs Rodikis said that it was on the next night that the girl was with a large group of people at the house. She said: "There were people taking cocaine. She was offered cocaine but she refused it. She was also offered some cannabis which she took. She was drinking alcopops that were given to her. She stayed the night at Asghar's house as she had done previously. The following morning on October 6 she was picked up by the police."

Mrs Rodikis said that the police were alerted after a school friend of the girl reported seeing her on Exchange Street.

Richard Bennett, representing Asghar, said: "In his misguided way he was offering the hand of kindness. There was no other dubious motive other than providing a homeless girl with some help. He is a simple sort of character and easily led."