A judge branded a group of friends who plotted to supply ecstasy at music festivals "stupid spoiled boys".

Six men, including talented former Workington Reds footballer Aden Wainwright, sat with their heads bowed at Carlisle Crown Court as a prosecutor gave details of a drugs crime which was said to have shamed their families.

But having heard the men, all of good character, had displayed "far more big talk than action" in committing their offence, Judge Barbara Forrester opted to suspend the prison sentences she gave to each of them.

In the dock were Wainwright, Peter Spencer, Michael Foster, Declan Birkett, Stuart Leckey and Matthew Fye, all aged 20.

Richard Archer, prosecuting, said all except Leckey were "best friends", and stated: "The case relates to a conspiracy to supply class A ecstasy tablets together at music festivals and the local community to make money."

Police latched onto the plot when a parcel containing the illegal tablets – addressed to Spencer – was intercepted by customs officials.

When Spencer’s home was searched, other tablets were found and his mobile phone was seized.

It emerged that the friends had formed a private WhatsApp group in which they discussed the drugs supply plot.

Almost 14,000 messages were recovered. Some suggested supply at music festivals including T in the Park, Creamfields and West Cumbria’s Cockrock.

When Fye, a peripheral figure in the conspiracy, was accepted to join the private chat room, he was warned: "Dirty little secrets stay in here."

There were also messages which referred to publicised drugs deaths, and the importance of supplying "trusted" branded pills.

Police found that 336 tablets, valued at £3,360, were bought by Spencer, who called on "facilitator" Leckey for help to source them online.

More than 200 of these were recovered by police, while the plotters consumed some themselves.

Barristers gave mitigation on behalf of the six, who were said to have mainly displayed bravado and chat.

Gerard Doran, defending Wainwright, said: “These defendants are stupid, foolish lads who have, by their actions, thrown away very positive lives.”

Judge Forrester observed the defendants’ sombre demeanour, but said: "I feel sorrier for your parents and supporters who are in the public gallery, who have spent time worrying about what the future holds for the six of you."

Two hundred hours’ unpaid work was given to Spencer, of High Brigham, Brigham, Foster, of Wasdale Close, Cockermouth, Birkett, of Gilcrux, and Wainwright, of The Parklands, Cockermouth.

Fye, of Lonsdale View, Dearham, and Leckey, of Tallentire were ordered to complete 100 hours.

All six men must observe four-month night-time curfews. They were told by the judge: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Make the most of it."