A cannabis dealer who asked his dad to falsely shoulder some of his criminal blame has been sent to prison.

Deri George Hendren, 31, was arrested by police who found drugs and thousands of pounds at a Workington address in January. He was remanded in custody.

When he appeared before magistrates three days later, Hendren made a desperate attempt to pass a note to a relative.

The contents of this scribbled letter were revealed at Carlisle Crown Court.

Hendren had written: "Ask dad if he will take the 5oz that is in the wheelie bin on his head. All he will have to say is that it was his own stuff."

He went on to suggest that if his father agreed to the request, he should visit the police station and make a statement. Hendren even offered to pay him £1,000 for doing so.

But the note was intercepted by court staff and Hendren found himself in even more hot water.

At the crown court, he was jailed for three-and-a-half years after admitting perverting the course of justice, possessing cannabis with intent to supply and a counterfeit money crime dating back to 2014.

The court heard that almost a quarter of a kilo of cannabis was found by police in the wheelie bin.

Thirteen bags of cash – each containing £1,000 – were also found, along with scales, snap-bags and a mobile phone.

It was accepted that £11,500 of the cash related to illegal drugs supply.

In mitigation, references in support of Hendren were handed to the court.

He was said to have had a troubled childhood, difficulties looking after his own children and also debts.

However, the court heard that Hendren had previous convictions for illegal drugs supply.

Judge Peter Davies told Hendren, previously of Mossbay Road, Workington, the note was a the note had been a deliberate attempt to avoid liability.

He added: "It was never going to work. It is a serious offence.

"It affects the system of justice.

"If we allow that sort of thing to get away the system will fall into disrepute."