Ecstasy mash man escapes jail

The four were in a house in Darwen

A man who hid ecstasy tablets in a kettle, which was then used by two mothers and their children, has escaped a jail sentence.

Jeffrey Farquhar, 21, of Queen Street, Darwen, Lancashire, was given 18 months of community rehabilitation after admitting possession at Preston Crown Court.

Farquhar had put the tablets into the kettle which was then used to make instant mash and cups of tea.

Twin sisters Patricia and Joanne Wilson and their sons Liam and Nathan, both aged four, had to be taken to hospital.

One of the boys became seriously ill, but was later released from hospital.