A FOURTH time drugs offender who began using cocaine and heroin after childhood tragedies was caught after one of his friends fatally overdosed at a house in Carlisle.

Repeat offender Dean Kerr, 36, who has 128 offences on his criminal record, called for an ambulance and stayed with Stacey Sullivan after she collapsed.

She died in hospital later the same day.

At Carlisle Crown Court, Kerr denied that at the time he was concerned in the supply of both cocaine and heroin. But after hearing evidence, a jury convicted him of the cocaine offence only.

Because his record already includes three previous drug supply offences, Kerr was at risk of a seven-year minimum jail term, though judges can depart from this if such a term is considered unjust.

The court heard that paramedics summoned the police to the house in Thomson Street, Carlisle, on October 20 last year after responding to Kerr’s 999 call.

Even after it was clear that the police were on their way to the property, Kerr remained at the scene, clearly concerned for his friend.

During his trial, the prosecutor said that Kerr's decision to move into that property was tantamount to “an alcoholic moving into an off-licence.” On his mobile phone, police found messages indicative of drug supply.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, said that at the time of his offending he had been living “hand to mouth” and that he was at the bottom of the ladder so far as dealing the cocaine was concerned.

She also outlined the defendant’s previous three drug offences.

In 2019, she said, Kerr was not caught street dealing but there was evidence on his phone of drugs supply.

In 2014, phone evidence showed he bought drugs which he had shared amongst friends who were also drug users; and the 2010 offence was again mobile phone related, when he was in a house controlled by higher level Liverpool drugs criminals.

READ MORE: Carlisle woman died at The Cumberland Infirmary after taking drugs

Miss Whittlestone said Kerr had led a tragic life.

His mother died when he was a child and his brother, who had difficulties with illegal substances, died in police custody. In care as a child, Kerr began leading a criminal lifestyle that has been plagued by drugs.

“He committed dishonesty offences to fund his drugs drug habit,” said the barrister.

It was clear that drug use has taken a toll on Kerr’s health. “He’s indicated that he’s had enough; it’s almost like he’s given up,” said Miss Whittlestone.

Judge Michael Fanning said Kerr, who is homeless, was a drug addict who spent his time with other addicts and would do what he could to get drugs.

This involved such people "pooling resources" and getting drugs which they shared, though in Kerr’s case there was evidence he was concerned supplying drugs more widely.

The judge told Kerr: "I have heard about the difficult life you've had; about how you were 11 years old when your mum and brother died and you've been taking cocaine and heroin since almost without interruption - the only interruption being when you were in prison...

"I am satisfied this is classic dealing; but yours was a lesser role and you are no 'Mr Big'."

The judge noted also that Kerr had stayed with and demonstrated concern for Stacey Sullivan after she became unwell.

Judge Fanning concluded that it would be disproportionate to impose the seven years minimum jail, given that only two of Kerr's four supply convictions could be categorised as “classic” drug dealing.

He jailed Kerr for five years.