by Evening Press reporters

newsdesk@ycp.co.uk

A JUDGE warned that those involved in drug-dealing risk time behind bars as he sent down two people caught bringing heroin and cocaine into York from Liverpool.

York Crown Court heard that police captured Robert Arnold, 25, of Greenfields, Haxby Road, York, and his co-accused, Michelle Watts, during an operation at York Railway Station in November.

Watts, 23, of Lowan Drive, Everton, was seen alighting from a train from Liverpool before meeting Arnold in his distinctive yellow car.

She got into the vehicle fleetingly before heading for a Liverpool-bound train.

However, officers arrested the pair and a search of Arnold's car revealed a large stash of class A drugs.

Arnold - who was said to be "a very chastened young man" - was jailed for 30 months for possession of class A drugs, namely heroin and cocaine, with intent to supply.

Watts who revealed she had been asked to carry the drugs across the Pennines for £200 was sent down for 15 months for supply.

Judge James Spencer, QC, said: "This trade is evil and it causes misery. Anyone involved in the trade with intent to supply has to be punished so that everyone knows it cannot go unnoticed."

Following the police operation, officers went to the home Arnold shared with his girlfriend, Caroline Jones, 23.

Simon Hickey, prosecuting, said there were 18 wraps of class A drugs in the property, worth between £180 and £280 on the street if sold.

"She picked up the wraps from the lounge and moved towards the back door," said Mr Hickey. "Police were at the back door and she was immediately confronted by another officer and threw the drugs on the floor."

In a police interview, she denied any involvement in the supply of drugs, but admitted knowing that Arnold had been dealing for about a week.

Mr Hickey said she came home on November 11 and found the drugs on the table.

She admitted having received some for her own use, but claimed she had no knowledge of what happened in York Railway Station and had never been involved in profiting from Arnold's street dealing.

Judge Spencer told her: "You admit you were involved in the supply of class A drugs, but your involvement - or the extent of your admission - makes your involvement only for a very short time and limited purpose. It does seem to me in these circumstances I can choose not to send you to prison. But you will have to repay your debt through 120 hours' community punishment. I am told you have left that life behind you and that you have a child. For the child's sake I hope that's true."

Updated: 10:40 Monday, May 16, 2005