Blackpool drug dealer who boasted to police "I'm living the life" is now in a cell for 23 hours a day and missing his baby girl growing up

Dean Hudson, 24, of Norville Avenue, Manchester, was one of 30 people arrested during a major drugs probe in Blackpool called Operation Enigma, but was later deemed to have been dealing independently of the conspiracy.

He admits being concerned in supplying heroin and cocaine in the resort over a period between November 2019 and January 2020, when an investigation found he had made 26 journeys from his then home in Oldham to Blackpool in a white Volkswagen Golf.

Prosecuting, Joe Allman said Hudson had been stopped on suspicion of drug driving in the resort on December 1, 2019, and officers found cannabis in his anus.

He was stopped again on January 16, 2020 on Preston New Road in Blackpool, with a male passenger and £100 cash hidden in the steering block under the steering column.

Hudson boasted to officers: "I was in court the other day for drug driving.

"I don't care about this anyway, take my licence, do what you want

"I drive stolen cars anyway.

"You are a bad person working for the police and government. You will work until you're 60 with one holiday a year

"I am living the life, I get a grand a month just from my benefits."

Lancashire Police arrested 26 men and four women during raids as part of Operation Enigma - a targeted campaign to disrupt alleged drug-dealing activity in the resort.

Class A drugs with an estimated street value of £25,000, were seized by police along with more than £20,000 in cash and three firearms.

But Mr Allman said text messages had shown Hudson's activities were a "solo enterprise for his own benefit".

Defending, Mr James said at the time of his offences, he was addicted to cannabis, suffering financially, and was feeling overwhelmed at becoming a father.

He saw this as an opportunity to get his finances straight and provide for his daughter.

He added: "It has been extremely painful for this defendant to recognise through his own failings that he has been in custody at a critical point in his daughter's life."

Judge Richard Gioserano, sentencing, said: "Although detached from the conspiracy, by your pelas you admitted class A drug dealing over a two and a half month period. This was not just street level dealing - you had in effect your own drug dealing operation.

"In my judgement it was extensive, prolonged, well planned and profitable street dealing, and nor was it just local because you travelled on a regular basis from Manchester into Blackpool to sell drugs there.

"You not only transported the drugs but you sent out group text messages marketing your drugs to dozens of users, no doubt hoping to maximise your returns for each trip.

"It must have proved profitable for you otherwise you would not have kept going back."

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