A MAN accused of being the co-supplier in an alleged plot to peddle amphetamine on the streets of East Lancashire told a jury he did not deal drugs.

David Hancox, 39, admitted he used the drug but told Burnley Crown Court he had never sold amphetamine for profit.

Hancox is said by the prosecution to have come from his native Warrington to deal for his co-defendant Glen Liversidge, 44, the leader in the criminal agreement to sell drugs.

Louise Blackwell, prosecuting, claims Hancox, the long-term boyfriend of Liversidge's sister, bought amphetamine in bulk to sell on the streets. He was said to have been seen doing it by police and to have kept drug dealer's lists.

Liversidge, of Wren Street, who says he is a market trader and car dealer, and Hancox, of St Cuthberts Street, both Burnley, deny conspiring to supply amphetamine, between January 2001 and February 2003.

Asked by his barrister Philip Holden to explain why his mobile phone rang 62 times in just five hours, the defendant said he could only think it would be his girlfriend and maybe several others repeatedly ringing because they got no reply.

Hancox said he had worked the markets with Liversidge, buying and selling compact discs.

Mr Holden asked:"It is said you were responsible for commercial supply of amphetamine sulphate."

Hancox answered:"No, I was not." The barrister continued:"Have you ever sold amphetamine commercially for profit?" The defendant replied:"No, I have not."

The court has been told how the two defendants were arrested in Melville Street, Burnley, on October 31 last year, after police claim they saw Hancox hand over two packages to Liversidge. Liversidge was found to have amphetamine and £1,000 on him.

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