A cannabis addict has been convicted of street dealing after incriminating messages were found on his mobile phone, a court heard.
Kyle Banks sent dozens of texts to contacts and strangers asking if they wanted ‘pukka blues’ or ‘dry cheese’ over a six-week period.
Burnley Crown Court heard how police executed a warrant at his home on Spring Street in Rishton and found cannabis in a chest of drawers inside his bedroom wardrobe.
In total officers found 45g of cannabis worth £580 in half a dozen locations and a mobile phone belonging to Banks.
He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing cannabis and was given a 10-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 costs.
Stephen Parker, prosecuting, told the court how police searched Banks’ home on June 3 last year and messages on the phone showed he was engaged in ‘mid-level street deals’ between January 6 and February 20.
The court heard how there were ‘routine references’ to drugs including Banks telling people ‘I’ve got some nice Qs if you need any?’ - referring to quarter ounces of cannabis.
Mr Parker said Banks used ‘slang references’ to cannabis including ‘pukka blues’ and ‘dry cheese’ and as time went by the cannabis weights on offer increased.
He told the court that Banks made references to ‘£20 bags’ and ‘talks about 175’ which relates to the average price for an ounce of cannabis in the area.
Mr Parker said: “There are more than 40 messages of that type. One in particular refers to having loads of ounces at 170 an ounce.”
The court heard how one customer told Banks ‘I’ll have five ounces’ before he replied ‘do you want me to come flying over now?’
When interviewed by police he said the cannabis found at his home was for his own use and he smoked around £400 worth each month.
Darren Lee-Smith, defending, said since his arrest Banks has ‘dramatically reduced’ the amount of cannabis he takes.
He asid: “He was smoking up to eight joints a day and that’s now down to one joint each week.
“Since his arrest he has realised he has placed his liberty at risk and therefore the security of his young family.”
