A WORKER found to have sleeping tablets stashed away in his locker, was sentenced to three months in prison.

John Barton, 40, walked free from Burnley Crown Court because he had been in custody since September 18.

Judge Raymond Bennett said Barton had been remanded presumably because at one time he had been charged with more serious offences, which were not to be proceeded with.

He went on: "I have to put those entirely out of my mind and I do."

Barton, of Lowe View, Waterfoot, had earlier admitted possessing phenobarbitone with intent to supply, and possessing amphetamine.

He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon.

Anthony Metz, prosecuting, said Barton was arrested last September, under Operation Falcon, targeting drug dealing in Rossendale. Officers went to Holliday Dispersions in Bacup Road, where Barton worked. He was found to have £560, a butterfly knife, and a notebook containing monetary items.

In his works locker, police discovered two plastic bags containing a cutting agent, 2000 self-seal snap bags, and a self-seal bag containing 41 tablets, later examined and confirmed to be phenobarbitone.

Also found were a small set of weighing scales and three further bags with traces of amphetamine.

Mr Metz added Barton had no previous convictions for drugs, but had previously been to prison.

Tony Cross, defending, said Barton had had the tablets for a long time. No value had been placed on them.

Whether he would have found a market for them would have been open to question.

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