Hospital accident and emergency doctors and undertakers are seeing the deadly human consequences of illicit drugs.

That was the stark warning spelled out by a Carlisle Crown Court judge as she sentenced two teenagers for their involvement in drug dealing at the Kendal Calling music festival.

Judge Barbara Forrester was addressing Christopher Warburton and Nathan Manning, both 18.

Both admitted being concerned in the supply of the class A drug ecstasy; and Warburton also admitted possessing ecstasy and the class B drug ethylpentylone - in both cases with intent to supply.

Brendan Burke, prosecuting, said the pair came to the attention of police when an officer saw them trying to sneak into the festival on July 28, 2017, by clambering over a fence.

Officers took the teenagers aside and Warburton was asked if there was anything in his rucksack he should not have.

"He replied that there was nothing at all," said Mr Burke.

Yet when police looked inside the bag they found a shampoo bottle containing 49 ethylpentylone pills - a form of fake ecstasy which has been linked with severe mental illness.

The officers also found a white powder - 1.59g of ecstasy.

An analysis of text messages sent by the two defendants revealed Warburton was setting up drug deals; while there was evidence Manning was involved in one such deal.

When interviewed, Warburton said he was a heavy drug user himself and that he planned to supply to friends. "It was small scale commercial supply," said Mr Burke.

The barrister accepted that Manning was involved in only the one deal mentioned on his phone.

Both men were of previous good character, the court heard.

Rachel Ottley, for Manning, of Cleveleys, Lancaster, said his involvement was the result of naivety and immaturity.

"He's stopped all drug use as a result of this," she said.

Mark Shepherd, for Warburton, of Brantwood Drive, Lancaster, said: "He was using cannabis at least four times a week, and other recreational drugs. He's philosophical - and relieved that he did not get any deeper into this."

Judge Barbara Forrester told both defendants: "It may be that you were doing it to impress peers.

"Probably, it was a very good thing that you were seen by this policeman trying to get into Kendal Calling. He stopped you in your tracks."

The judge pointed out why this was good, spelling out the possible consequences for drug users.
Judge Barbara Forrester

She said: "Some end up in prison; some in hospital; and some dead because of their drug use. We see a parade of people in here who it has happened to; A&E doctors and undertakers see a parade of people who it has happened to.

"So you should be very pleased you were stopped on the way into Kendal Calling and the drugs were found."

She imposed a six month jail term on Manning, suspending the term for 12 months and ordering he complete 10 days of rehabilitation.

For Warburton, the judge imposed 12 months prison, also suspended for a year, along with 120 hours of unpaid work.

Each defendant must pay a £140 victim surcharge.