A DRUG dealer claimed that he was travelling between Warrington and Salford in order to buy chickens – when he was actually peddling heroin and crack cocaine.

Keelan Emery was today jailed for six years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

His guilty plea came after a trial before the same court last month was well underway.

WATCH: Video shows convicted drug dealer pulling axe from trousers in popular park

Jurors had heard that cell siting and automatic number plate recognition technology documented a number of trips between the defendant’s native Salford and the town in spring last year.

And the 22-year-old concocted a bizarre cover story, stating that he had been visiting Hens Haven in Woolston in order to buy chickens.

He stated that he had bought five birds on one occasion, returned Nicol Avenue site the following day and then taken a third trip in order to purchase another chicken.

Emery even presented pictures of chickens to the court as evidence.

Warrington Guardian:

Similar data also placed him squarely within the borough from the hours of 9am to 8pm on another day.

And he claimed that he had spent this entire time period fishing at Ackers Pit.

But when the possibility of Emery’s mum being asked to take to the witness box in order to validate his claims was raised, he admitted that his account has been a lie.

Recorder Andrew Menary described it as a ‘cock and bull story’.

The judge added: "While he's a young man and isn't of a criminal background, that isn't to say I won't find that he was lying his head off."

Emery was one of 13 members of the Long Haired Luke 2 county lines gang who were jailed for a combined total of 59 years and 10 months today.

The ring was responsible for supplying up to £356,000 of heroin and crack cocaine on the streets of Warrington over the course of five months during 2021.

READ MORE: Mr Onion, Long Haired Luke and the 11 gangs which supplied £1m of drugs in Warrington

Other members included former ‘talented footballer’ Craig Williams, the organised crime group’s leader.

Labourer Alex Brady found himself in the dock having turned to drug dealing after being laid off during the pandemic.

Lorry driver Daniel Kilcourse meanwhile was described as a ‘perfectly decent young man from a good family whose life spiralled out of control’ when he lost his job and relationship.

Also appearing were Des Challoner and ex-girlfriend Courtney Moss, who have a 17-week old daughter together.