A BLIND cannabis dealer and his wife, said to have been supplying from their Nelson home for a year, have been spared jail.

Assam Akram, 29, and Samantha Love, 27, who is in remission from kidney cancer and has a genetic disorder, were caught after police went to a disturbance in their street, arrested them and searched their home.

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Officers found about 100 grams of the drug, more than £1,000 in cash – despite the fact they were on benefits – cannabis grinders, electronic scales and latex gloves, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told the pair were arrested again and mobile phone analysis took place. Messages were found from people asking for deals of £10 up to amounts of half-an-ounce.

The defendants, who both used the drug, claimed that cannabis provided pain relief and some social engagement for Akram. But a judge said they had tried to pull the wool over everyone's eyes over their involvement with it and he believed they had been professional, commercial dealers.

The defendants had both admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply and Akram had also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

Each was given 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, with supervision. Akram must attended a drugs rehabilitation programme and his partner was ordered to go to the Lancashire Women's Specified Activity Requirement.

Prosecutor Stephen Parker said the defendants were arrested, accused of a public order allegation.

Police went into their home and an officer could smell cannabis.

Love admitted she smoked the drug and said she started taking it recently to get over a cancer scare.

Mr Parker said police searched the house and found cannabis with a street value of about £1,000.

They also discovered 3.28 grams of cocaine, worth £300. The couple were arrested again and messages going back to July of the preceding year were found on two phones. The defendants also received texts asking about £10 and £20 deals, as well as amounts of a quarter and half-an-ounce.”

Judge Simon Newell told the couple he was sentencing them for intending to supply about 100 grams of cannabis.