A CONVICTED drug dealer on three bags of heroin a day has custody of her grandson with social services approval, a court heard.

June Lillian Rickwood, 40, served six years for her part in a "commercial" operation and still had a £25-a-day habit which she financed from family benefits.

The defendant, who had £300 cash, heroin and cannabis on her when stopped by police, now wanted to kick her addiction, Burnley magistrates were told.

Rickwood, of Jockey Street, Burnley, admitted possessing heroin on September 14. She was given a 12-month community order, with 12 months' supervision and what the bench described as a "rigorous" six-month drug rehabilitation requirement. She must also pay £75 costs.

Christiana Buchanan, prosecuting, said Rickwood had been in the front seat of a taxi minibus. She had £300 in her possession, a "significant amount for a lady in her circumstances", and a foil wrap containing vegetable matter. She said she had been to buy drugs, but had not been able to.

The prosecutor said the defendant told police she had a three-bag-a-day heroin habit, which cost her £25. She claimed the £300 was her and her husband's benefits.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Rickwood was able to live an apparently normal life and had full custody of her grandson, with the full consent of the social services. Her record did not indicate someone who needed to commit offences to buy drugs.