A YOUNG carer and her builder boyfriend have been jailed for more than three years for importing ecstasy tablets from Holland.

Melissa Stewart, 22, and Simon Stefanski, 24, from Ellesmere Port, admitted buying the class A drugs on a mail order website in September last year.

Prosecuting at Chester Crown Court, Peter Hussey said: “It was a simple operation of making an online order to a supplier in Holland and for that to be delivered by post in this country.

“The address that was used was the home address of the defendant, Miss Stewart, on Sutton Way in Ellesmere Port.”

Unfortunately for the pair, the package containing 301 tablets was then intercepted by the UK Border Agency who informed Cheshire Police.

Officers raided Stewart’s flat and later arrested her at her place of work after reading her diary which detailed her movements that day.

She gave a largely ‘no comment’ interview but incriminating evidence was discovered on her mobile phone.

Mr Hussey told the court: “It was from the mobile phone downloads that the police received the evidence that they had suspected all along, that the phone had been used in connection with the importing of these drugs and that there was a direct link with Miss Stewart’s boyfriend, Mr Stefanski.”

One text message from Stefanski to Stewart read: “Some package might come today, babe.” In another he asked her to count how many pills he had at home, while in a third he wrote: “Check if there’s any parcels when you’re in.”

In his own interview, Stefanski answered ‘no comment’ to all questions.

He later pleaded guilty on the basis that he was a casual user of the drug, also known as MDMA, and part of a “party scene” in the area. He would supply it “on a small scale” to fund his own use and pay off his debts.

Mr Hussey accepted it was not a sophisticated operation, telling the judge: “You or I might dial up online and order a pair of jeans. These defendants have dialled up to order some class A drugs.”

Owen Edwards, defending Stefanski, said: “He had a difficult childhood but he’s made the absolute best of himself. He has become an invaluable asset for those whom he works for in the building trade. He is a hard worker.

“He is somebody who burnt the candle at both ends and is sorry for dragging his girlfriend into this.”

It was accepted that Stefanski had a greater role in the enterprise, having put the order in. It was suggested that there was at least one other person higher up the chain but the police had not been able to trace anyone else.

Adam Antoszkiw, defending Stewart, accepted his client had allowed her address to be used and willingly went along with the operation.

He told the court she had taken responsibility for her actions and had asked to be sent to custody three weeks ago.

“She is incredibly remorseful for her conduct in this case,” added Mr Antoszkiw.

Neither defendant has any previous convictions.

Judge Patrick Thompson said: “That makes this a dreadfully sad case for each of you and no doubt for your families and those who care for you.”

Stefanski, of Deansgate, was jailed for three years and nine months whereas Stewart, of Sutton Way, was sentenced to three years. They will spend half in custody and half on licence.