A BARROW dealer who sold drugs which made users "look like Smurfs" has been spared jail.

Timothy Leary, 42, was under arrest for suspected shoplifting when officers discovered 250 blue pills hidden in his underpants on November 10 last year.

Leary did not have a prescription for the class C Xanax drugs - which leave users “looking like Smurfs” due to the blue staining around their lips and mouth.

Searches of five mobile phones and two tablet computers found in his home revealed he had bought the drugs on the internet and was supplying them to friends.

Leary, of Anson Street, Barrow, pleaded guilty to possession of class C drugs with intent to supply and appeared at Preston Crown Court to be sentenced.

The court heard he had a history of drug use and had previously been to prison for selling class A drugs.

He had started taking Xanax to deal with his anxiety and depression, the court heard.

When he was searched, Leary also had £385 in cash on him, although he had cashed in his benefits the day before.

The drugs had a street value of around £60.

Recorder David Swinnerton accepted users of Xanax took the pills in high quantities. An officer involved in Leary’s arrest reported: “Consumers of these drugs tend to look like Smurfs because of their blue nature.

“They take so many that their mouths and tongues become stained.”

Since his arrest Leary has referred himself to the substance misuse team and has been making good progress, the court heard.

Recorder Swinnerton, sentencing, said: “Xanax in particular is an increasing problem on the streets.

“People using it off prescription are able to obtain it on the internet and use it as a recreational drug which is a lot cheaper than certain other drugs available on the street.

“You, being a user of other drugs, are using it as a replacement for those drugs.

“You had a substantial quantity. I am told and accept users do use a substantial quantity.

“You at least supplied a small number of people, friends, with these tablets.”

The judge said he would not send Leary to prison as he was making good progress with the drugs services but made a 12-month community order with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

He added: “I hope that at the age of 42 you have realised you are either wasting or are going to significantly shorten your life if you continue drug use and offending in and out of prison.”

The drugs will be destroyed and Leary must pay £200 costs.