TWO men alleged to have been involved in the so-called County Lines trafficking of drugs into County Durham have admitted conspiracy to supply both class A and B substances.

Ricky Hemmings and John Edward Campbell, both from Kirkby, in Merseyside, admitted the charges, relating to unknown quantities of cocaine and amphetamines, during a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.

The offences, said to have taken place between April 3 and September 22, 2017, are believed to have involved a number of accomplices.

After putting in his guilty pleas, while appearing via prison to court video link, from HMP Berwyn, in north Wales, 37-year-old Hemmings was told by Judge Christopher Prince: “Your case is adjourned for sentence in due course. Obviously, expect a custodial sentence.”

Campbell, 45, was bailed pending sentence but was also warned to expect to receive a custodial outcome.

Both men will be sentenced following trials involving ten other accused, eight men and two women, all from County Durham, who denied drug supply conspiracy charges.

They will stand trial in two separate hearings, at Teesside Crown Court, in February and April next year.

All but two were granted bail, pending a pre-trial hearing later this year.