A FATHER-to-be began dealing cocaine and cannabis to raise money after learning he was going to become a dad, a court was told.

Police executed a warrant at Christopher Daniel Lloyd Procter's Hayclose Road flat in Kendal, last August. He was there with his girlfriend.

Officers searched the address and also a Ford Focus. More than 7g of cocaine was recovered, along with around 30g of cannabis - mainly of the skunk variety. The drugs haul's value was around £600.

Police also found almost £3,500 cash and torn plastic bags. They also seized a mobile phone containing incriminating message content, prosecutor Jacob Dyer telling Carlisle Crown Court: "It is indicative of the supply of both drugs."

Procter, 27, had a number of previous convictions, including a cannabis supply crime when he was a youth. He was also subject to a two-year suspended jail term - imposed for his role in a violent Kendal attack - at the time of his latest offending.

Kim Whittlestone, in mitigation, gave background to Procter's drug dealing.

"He found himself in a situation last year in which he, being quite frank and open with myself and the court, needed to make some money," said Miss Whittlestone. "He and his partner describe she was pregnant."

The barrister revealed: "He began to sell (the drugs) to friends and was seeking to make some profit, which he did." The couple's child was born earlier this year.

For many years Procter had struggled with a cannabis addiction which, at times, he had successfully addressed. But after "falling by the wayside" he began using drugs again. These included cocaine which, he'd said, was a "mostly a party thing".

"Since his arrest for these matters he has really tried to sort himself out," added Miss Whittlestone. "He has abstained from drugs and has been engaging with (drug recovery service) Unity."

Procter, latterly of Milnthorpe Road, Holme, admitted possessing both cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply. He was jailed for 40 months by Judge James Adkin, who told him: "You had a significant role as a street dealer."

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Tom Pearman, from the southern area intelligence unit, said: "This custodial sentence reflects the continued strong stance Cumbria Police and the courts take against those involved in the supply of controlled drugs.

"We will continue to proactively target offenders in the South Lakes area whether they be locals like this male or county lines offenders from outside of Cumbria."