A CANNABIS user who ran up drug debts was pressured into dealing in heroin, a court heard.

Michael Marsden came to the attention of police carrying out covert surveillance work.

His address in Blackburn was later searched and heroin worth as much as £3,750 was discovered.

Marsden, 22, of Romney Walk, was given a three year prison sentence when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

He had pleaded guilty to charges of being concerned in the supply of diamorphine and possession with intent to supply.

His arrest followed a police surveillance of a ginnel leading from Romney Walk.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said police later went to Marsden's address and the home was searched. He produced a bundle of cash, a package and a mobile phone from his boxer shorts.

A total of 86.31 grammes of drugs were found. It was heroin and on the streets would have been worth £3,750 at their highest value.

Marsden had no previous convictions for drug offences.

Richard Bennett, defending, said Marsden had acted under duress in the twilight world of drugs. He had amassed a considerable debt through cannabis use.

The barrister told the court: "In order to pay off that debt, he was told he must supply Class A drugs, otherwise violence would be the inevitable consequence."