A 45-YEAR-old Blackburn man seen dealing in drugs has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Robert Davies had led a blameless life for many years.

But within a short space of time he had lost his good name, character, his marriage, home and business, Preston Crown Court heard.

He had been caught by police while in possession of heroin and cocaine.

Then ten days later he resorted to selling drugs in order to feed his own addiction. But the deal was observed by police who arrested Davies for the second time. Davies, of Mulberry Street, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and cocaine on January 9 this year.

He also admitted possession of heroin with intent to supply and possession of cocaine on January 19.

Mr Chris Godfrey, prosecuting, told the court Davies was stopped in his "M" registered Rover Metro. Police challenged him to produce drugs.

He produced 15 wraps of heroin and four bags of cocaine.

He later told police the drugs were for his own use.

Ten days later police watched Davies get out of his car and approach a male.

He was seen to throw a number of items over a garden fence which were recovered and found to be mostly heroin.

Mr John Jackson, defending, said Davies had supplied drugs for the very first time on January 19. He had no drugs or money to enable him to feed his own habit.

The defendant's marriage had broken down and he had lost his business as well.

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.