Living at home helped fund drugs supply

Last updated 19:45, Thursday, 03 July 2008

A WORKINGTON man who was caught snorting cocaine in a parked car was able to buy the expensive drug because his parents did not make him pay for his keep at home, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

Lee Briscoe, of Lorton Avenue, Workington, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing it for his own use and possessing an offensive weapon, a baseball bat.

Judge Barbara Forrester expressed surprised that the 24-year-old was living with his parents without making a contribution to their household expenses, and accused him of wasting the last few years of his life.

Alison Whalley, defending, said Briscoe had started taking cocaine after falling out with his girlfriend and losing a friend in a car crash.

She said that he might deserve to be locked up but he would be adversely influenced by inmates, and on his release would be more likely to commit further offences.

He was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and made to do 200 hours unpaid community work.

He was also put on a 9pm to 7am curfew for three months.

“That will stop you hanging out with your friends and driving around aimlessly,” Judge Forrester said.

The judge ordered him to pay £600 costs.