A WOULD-BE pusher of hard drugs has started a four-year jail term -- which a judge said was the very least he could pass consistent with his public duty.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Paul Darlington, 21, who was set to supply crack cocaine and heroin, had been living on the streets at the time.

He was sent to custody by Recorder Norman Wright, who said the evidence against him had been overwhelming and he had rejected out of hand his version of events, which was incredible.

The judge said he bore in mind the defendant had no previous convictions but went on: "The message must go out that people who deal in in drugs, misery and death must expect condine punishment from the courts."

Darlington, of Aitken Street, Accrington, had admitted possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

Richard Bennett, defending, said at the time of the offences, Darlington was living on and off the streets and had an itinerant lifestyle.

He now seemed to have got his life in some sort of order but knew he faced a custodial sentence. It would be the defendant's first jail term and he had a future if he could stay away from drugs.

Mr Bennett urged the court not to pass a sentence which might crush any hope Darlington may have for the future.