A 77-YEAR-OLD man who was caught dealing heroin has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment.

John Unsworth, of Hough Lane, Tyldesley, pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and possessing it with intent to supply.

But the judge showed him mercy because of his age, ill health and good character and took the unusual step of suspending the sentence for two years.

Judge Nigel Gilmour, QC, said: "There are not many advantages in being old and infirm as you are.

"Today there are advantages for you because, but for your age and your state of health, you would be going to prison for something like three years."

He told Unsworth, who had turned up for sentence with his belongings in a bin bag expecting to go to jail, that he was also suspending the sentence because he had become involved in the offences to try to raise money for his gravely ill step-daughter.

Miss Leah Dillon, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that on January 14 two police constables saw Unsworth walking along an alley behind Wardley Road, Tyldesley. He went to the back door of a house where a known drug user lived and then walked back down the alley.

As he walked towards his K-registered Vauxhall Cavalier, one of the officers stopped him and he became agitated and anxious to get away.

Miss Dillon said: "He put his right hand into his pocket and produced a Kinder chocolate egg and proceeded to stamp on it. The officer restrained him and attempted to preserve the evidence."

When told he was being arrested, he became aggressive and started struggling and had to be handcuffed. At Leigh police station he made full and frank admissions and admitted supplying heroin on previous occasions.

The Kinder egg was found to contain five wraps of heroin and he had a further three wraps in his pocket, Miss Dillon said.

Tom Gilbart, defending, said when interviewed Unsworth explained during the previous fortnight he had twice bought four wraps of heroin for £30 which he had sold on.

"He said he had started supplying drugs in order to support himself and his daughter as she had been seriously ill and unable to claim any money since October 28."

Mr Gilbart added that Unsworth, who has a long term back problem, appreciated the seriousness of the offences.