THE son of an East Lancashire magistrate has been jailed for supplying heroin outside a Blackburn primary school.

Arif Patel, 20, Clinton Street, Blackburn, was one of five men sentenced to a total of more than 16 years following a huge crackdown on drug dealers in Blackburn.

The men were arrested after one of the biggest early-morning raids in the town this year - as part of Operation Nimrod, which has been targeting street dealers.

Thousands of pounds worth of class A drugs were seized, including heroin and cocaine, as well as cash and mobile phones.

Preston Crown court heard how Patel sold class A drugs to an undercover policeman referred to as 'Jack' close to St Michael with Saint John C of E primary school, Swallow Drive.

Ken Hines, defending, told the court that Patel, who had no previous convictions, came from a well respected family and was the son of a magistrate.

After the case, police chiefs said the sentences sent a strong message to those selling drugs and said: "We will rid the streets of these dealers."

And police said raids would continue to target the drug dealers who bring "misery" to the community.

Arif Patel, was sentenced to 16 months; Lee Hartley, 35, of St Peter's Street, Blackburn, was given three and a half years; Asim Patel, 30, of Grindleton Road, Blackburn, was jailed for two-and-a-half years; James Cunningham, 42, of St Peter's Street, Blackburn, received three years and Peter Howieson, 40, of Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn, was given five years and seven months.

All pleaded guilty to supplying class A drugs.

After the hearing, Det Insp Roger Price said: "I am very pleased with the result of the recent court case.

"It's nice to see us being supported by the courts after what has been a lengthy and difficult inquiry which involved using an under cover police officer.

"Arif Patel's defence counsel Mr Ken Hines said his father was a JP, who was in court for the case.

"A glowing character reference was provided from the United Youth Scheme in Preston who said he had been helping the youths on the scheme, making them aware of drugs and going into schools.

"His defence counsel in mitigation were trying to paint the picture that he came from a good family.

"Clearly the sentence goes to show that nobody is above the law and if you commit crime you will be punished no matter who you are."

The judge, Recorder Mr James said he was issuing a 16 month sentence in Arif Patel's case so that by the time he was due for release he would be able to fulfill his dream of gaining a degree.

He told the court he was due to start at Liverpool Hope University where he has secured a place to study Business Studies next September.