THE suspicious goings-on at a Lancaster address caused concern to many residents, a court has heard.

Over a period of around six months callers would knock at the door before being allowed in this property. The "visitors" would only stay a short time before leaving.

Preston crown court heard how the house was being used in the supply of drugs. A couple were arrested when police raided the home in March this year.

Francis Hackett, 39, and 20 years old Paula Myerscough, who had both been living on Albion street, Lancaster, were both jailed when they appeared for sentence. Hackett, who admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin, was given five years. The woman admitted a charge of possession with intent to supply and received eighteen months in prison.

Mr Fraser Livesey, prosecuting, told how police executed a search warrant on March 15th. Both defendants were arrested at the address and found to have drugs on them.

At the house police also found some scales that bore traces of heroin, as well as some plastic bags. While officers were at the home a mobile phone rang and it turned out to be someone asking for a £50 deal.

Mr Livesey said that the police took statements from a large number of residents from the street. During the preceding six months residents had seen numerous callers at the home and a pattern emerged.

Callers would knock on the door and this was usually followed by some movement upstairs. The callers would be let in, but only stay for a short period.

" Many of the residents were concerned or intimidated by their presence," said Mr Lives. One person noticed around twenty people calling at the address in one day.

Mr Keith Thomas, for Hackett, said his client had not made money, other than to fund his own drug habit. There had been no trappings of success.

" There is no aggravating feature, such as the defendant going to schools or the like. Those who came to the house were known and already well into the drug business."

Hackett had since weaned himself of drugs.

Mr Arthur Stuttard, for Myerscough, said she been holding some of the drug on behalf of Hackett. She knew that when returned to him some of the drug would certainly be used in dealing to others.

Judge Philip Sycamore said in passing sentence " The nature of the trade in drugs has potential catastrophic consequences for those who take drugs."