A DRUG pusher caught peddling ecstasy on the streets of Rawtenstall was today starting a three-year term behind bars.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mohammed Miah, 20, was himself addicted to the drug which he used to help him cope with his emotional problems.

He had ecstasy tablets to the tune of up to about £600 in his shoe when officers searched him.

Sentencing Miah, Recorder Kevin Talbot said he had committed an appalling offence, dealing on a commercial basis and such behaviour could not and would not be tolerated by the courts.

The judge told him: " It is a tragedy that somebody of your age and background should face these inevitable consequences, but I have a public duty to perform."

Recorder Talbot added Miah had managed to overcome his drugs habit since the offence and was said not to he at risk of reoffending.

Miah, of Schofield Close, Rawtenstall, was convicted by a jury of possessing ecstasy with intent to supply and had pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine. He had no previous convictions.

Anthony Mazzag, prosecuting, said last June, a special constable saw Miah and two teenagers disappear around the corner of Barclays Bank in Rawtenstall.

The officer moved closer and saw one of the youths hand over some money to Miah. The special constable approached and identified himself, called for back-up and the defendant was searched.

Miah was found to have a quarter of a gramme of cocaine and also had cash on him. He was arrested and taken to the police station where 39 ecstasy tablets were found in his shoe.

Joe Boyd, defending, said at the time, Miah had been addicted to ecstasy and his involvement in the offence came as a direct result of that. His mother had died when he was 14, and he had become more and more estranged from his father.

Mr Boyd added if the defendant had to go to custody, he still had excellent prospects and a future in front of him.