Postal drug runner jailed

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A BLACKPOOL man posted drugs to an inmate in Preston Prison – and ended up behind bars himself.
Preston Crown Court heard how Justin Teale hid a small amount of Class C narcotic Buprenorphine in an envelope and mailed it in to the prison in June last year.

But the package was intercepted and traced back to the 40-year-old, who was subsequently charged with conveying a list A prohibited article into prison.

He pleaded guilty to the charge at an earlier hearing and was appearing for sentencing at the court on Friday.

Judge Graham Knowles sentenced him to 12 weeks in prison for drug offences.

The court heard how Teale struck fear into the hearts of residents around his home on Repton Avenue, North Shore.

Sgt Russ Farrand, from Bispham Police Station, said: "As well as committing this drug offence, Teale caused distress to many residents in the Repton Avenue area as a result of anti-social behaviour and subsequently much of the community feared him.

"I hope the sentence handed down offers some reassurance to the residents of this otherwise quiet and pleasant suburban avenue.

"Drugs will not be tolerated in our communities and we will continue to tackle the problem and endeavour to bring to justice those who persist in breaking the law."

Buprenorphine is a pharmaceutical drug but is often used recreationally and has similar effects to cocaine and ecstasy.

It is considered so potent only a very small amount is needed to achieve the desired effects.

Police today said Teale was subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order and had breached the terms of the injunction on a number of occasions over the past 12 months.

While on bail for the drug offences he was convicted of a burglary at a disused factory which had earlier been used as a cannabis farm.

Sgt Farrand added: "He's quite well known to the police and we have had our eye on him for a while. There has been a lot of concern in the local community and we have done a lot of work in the area to allay those issues."