TWO drug users allowed their Thundersley flat to be used as a den where crack cocaine and heroin was produced and sold out of in exchange for free Class A drugs. 

Elisha Piper, 42, and Danny Williams, 50, agreed for their home in Hart Road to be used by a drug dealer and were in the property when it was raided in August. 

Both Piper and Williams were home when the property was raided by police and Piper was seen throwing a package containing drugs out the window as officers arrived. 

The pair were both sentenced to eight months in prison during a sentencing hearing at Basildon Crown Court, but they were released immediately due to time served. 

A drug dealer, also arrested in relation to the flat, is due to be sentenced next month. 

Timothy Sleigh-Johnson, prosecuting, said: “Further phone evidence showed there was contact between both defendants and their co-defendant including between his and their arrests.

“Mr Williams has a previous conviction of being concerned in the supply of Class B drug, cannabis, which he got a six-year prison sentence for in 2015.

“Miss Piper has a 2017 conviction of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.”

Both Piper and Williams were found inside the flat as well as a phone linked to the “Franklin” drugs line and £310 in cash with other phones.

The court heard Piper has 51 convictions for 147 offences and Williams has 35 convictions for 64 offences.

The pair have been remanded in custody since August 26 last year.

Her Honour Judge Samantha Cohen oversaw the hearing in Basildon.

She said: “You are both drug users and allowed your co-defendant to use your flat as a base for his Class A drugs operation.

“You knew what he was doing because he was paying you in drugs which you both craved as users.

“As early as your first court appearance last August you both indicated you accepted allowing the premises to be used but denied involvement in the dealing enterprise.”

Piper and Williams’ indication was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) at the hearing and the pair were for sentenced for allowing their premises to be used.

Piper and Williams appeared in Basildon Crown Court on Friday for sentencing.