A DRUG dealer and robber has been jailed for a total of three years while an accomplice who took part in an attack has also been detained.

Martin Thomson, 22, who supplied ecstasy to friends, had been found in possession of 22 tablets of the drug -- and a judge said many may not have been so open and honest about their activities.

Thomson, of Glasson Close, Blackburn, had earlier admitted possesssing ecstasy with intent to supply and supplying the drug. He was convicted of robbery and assault causing actual bodily harm after a jury trial.

Michael Queen, 18, of Honey Hole, Blackburn, was sent to a young offenders' institution for nine months, after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Watson said the defendant had used a weapon in the street on somebody who was doing nothing to him. The complainant was an innocent victim and the assault could have had serious consequences.

Judge Barbara Watson said there was nothing in Thomson's record which indicated he would be involved in such behaviour and it was his first time before the court for serious drug-related matters.

She added: "Ecstasy is a very dangerous drug. It is endemic in nightclubs and discos and causes very serious illness."

The judge added that the incident was not the most serious of street robberies and it was out of character.