Blackpool drug dealer burgled B and M Bargains in St Annes

Michael McGraw, 32, of St Andrews Road South, St Annes, entered the store on September 1 this year, smashing a glass window to get in.

Preston Crown Court heard he was seen on CCTV filing a bag with high value alcohol items.

He was also sentenced in connection with a drugs operation in Blackpool, in which he sold heroin to undercover officers on five occasions between September and November last year.

The first two deals were for £30 of drugs, the next two werte for £15 and the final one was for £25.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of possession with intent to supply and one of burglary.

His defence lawyer pointed out there had been no ransacking or damage in the premises, putting him in breach of a suspended jail term.

The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, said: " On three separate occasions on September 6, November 5 and 21 last year, the same undercover officers were indicating an intention to buy class A drugs in Blackpool.

"They were directed by one of two telephone numbers...ultimately to the defendant, who sold them street amounts of drugs.

"There was plainly some level of organisation in this matter.

He said McGraw's previous convictions were an "aggravating feature" but acknowledged he had struggled with drug addiction himself.

He added: "He's noted first hand the disease, degradation and death that results from the sale of the items he was peddling."