AN Accrington drug dealer, caught as part of an undercover police operation, has won a reduction in his prison sentence at London's Criminal Appeal Court.

Nazam Pervez, 29, of Pendle Street, was initially jailed for three years and two months after admitting six counts of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine at Preston Crown Court last August.

His brother and accomplice, Nasar Pervez, admitted seven counts and was jailed for two years and eight months.

Now, two top judges have now slashed Nazam Pervez's sentence to two years.

The pair were captured during Lancashire Police's Operation Nimrod, in which an officer, posing as an addict, arranged to buy drugs from them.

In one incident, on January 4 of last year, the pair turned up in a car, with Nazam Pervez driving, and supplied the officer with wraps of heroin and crack.

Nathaniel Rudolf, representing Pervez at the Appeal Court, argued that the disparity between his sentence and his brother's meant a reduction should be made to redress the balance.

Mr Justice Grigson, who sat with Mr Justice Henriques, said: "It was accepted that Nazam Pervez was the driver for his brother.

"As it seems to us, the sentence imposed by the judge on him was entirely justified and the brother, Nasar, may consider himself extremely lucky."

He added that, although the court had the power to disregard any disparity in sentencing when a sentence was, nevertheless, appropriate, the appeal would be allowed.

"We take the view that justice requires that Nazam Pervez's appeal be allowed and the disparity addressed," he said.