Sherborne man jailed for selling class A drugs in south Cumbria

Karl Farrant, of Lehthay Close, Sherborne, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years after admitting four Class A drug offences when he appeared at Preston Crown Court, in Lancashire.

The 26-year-old was arrested after a member of the public found wraps of heroin and crack cocaine worth more than £5,000 on the street in Barrow-in-Furness on Thursday, September 17 2020, said prosecutor Stephen Parker.

Karl Farrant, of Lehthay Close, Sherborne. Picture: Cumbria Police

The drugs contained blood which was matched with the defendant - leading to him being brought in for questioning and later released under investigation.

Mr Parker told the court the defendant was later under surveillance during Cumbria Police’s Operation Medusa in May 2021, where he was seen making transactions with known drug users.

"Police observed a group of known drug users congregating on a street in Barrow," he said.

"Police then carried out observation on a suspected drug deal taking place before going in. There was a brief struggle before the defendant dropped the bag."

In the bag contained wraps of heroin and crack cocaine as well as £190 in cash.

Defence lawyer Claire Brocklebank told the court Farrant had plans to better himself and become a law-abiding citizen when he came out of prison.

"He ended up in Barrow and his ambition was to start fresh," Ms Brocklebank said - referencing his previous reliance on drugs and alcohol.

"Because of the pandemic work was thin on the ground.

"He became involved in the supply of drugs in order to pay for food.

"He has since been diagnosed with anxiety and depression."

Preston Crown Court. Picture: Newsquest

Ms Brocklebank said Farrant has learnt of the impact drug dealing can have on people and their families.

She said he was using his time in prison to gain qualifications in brick laying, horticulture and social work.

"It seems you were not part of a county lines operation," her honour Judge H Lloyd said.

"Being interested in the drug scene you will know of its scourge in Barrow.

"Your blood was found in drug wraps worth between £5,000 to £6,000.

"This is a large amount to trust to someone who has been in the area such little time.

"You would have thought that being arrested and released under investigation would put you off continuing in this, yet officers observed you on a number of occasions continuing this."