Sleeping tablets AN ILLEGAL supplier of sleeping tablets and tranquilisers has been given a community order. Michael Purnell, 53, also had a drug from magic mushrooms in his illegal collection of drugs on him when police stopped him heading towards his York home along the A64, York Crown Court heard. The Recorder of York, Judge Sean Morris, said locking him up would mean him losing his accommodation and putting him back on the street. But letting him keep his freedom would enable him to get help for his problems. “He welcomes help,” said defence barrister Jeremy Barton. The judge told Purnell: “This chance is a real chance you had better grasp. If you breach it, you will be back before me and I will have to lock you up.”