Four heroin addicts became involved in dealing the drug to support their habits, a court heard yesterday.

Helen Embleton, 25, her husband, David Embleton, 34, Philip Gascoigne, 25, and David Butler, 20, were all arrested after a police surveillance operation in Sacriston, Durham, in 2000.

Helen Embleton, of Pine Street, Chester-le-Street and Gascoigne, of Linley Close, Sacriston, pleaded guilty to supplying heroin.

Having spent ten months on remand after their arrest - which the court heard was the equivalent of a 20-month sentence - Judge Tony Lancaster said a further custodial sentence was not necessary.

She was sentenced to a community punishment order of 60 hours and 18 months' probation.

Gascoigne received a 20-month sentence. However, it was decided in his case that he would return to custody.

Sentence on Butler, of Durham Gardens, Witton Gilbert, who pleaded guilty to supplying heroin, was adjourned to see whether he was suitable for drug treatment.

David Embleton admitted allowing his premises to be used for the supply of heroin. He was given a 12-month sentence, but told he did not have to return to custody.

The judge told them: "Each of you, no doubt, because you yourselves were all addicted to heroin, will be well aware of its destructive effect."