Found with 35 bags of drugs

Police stopped Lee Barton for a drugs search at 11.20pm on December 17, prosecutor Jennifer Fitzgerald said.

He attempted to run off but after a short chase was detained and taken to Buxton police station, High Peak Magistrates’ Court heard.

But on the way there, an officer noticed he was trying to put items in his mouth, later discovered to be 35 small plastic bags of brown powder.

The powder was found to be diamorphine, which had a total weight of 6.08 grams.

Barton was also found to be in possession of a syringe which contained traces of amphetamine.

In interview, he said he had found someone’s stash of drugs so had taken it.

He told police that the drugs would last him between three and five days and that he used ten bags of heroin a day.

Barton, 40, of Darley Grove, Buxton, admitted two charges of possessing a class A drug and failing to surrender after arriving at court late.

Karina Lyon, defending, said: “The defendant entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity and I’d ask for credit for that.

“In addition, when interviewed, he made full and frank admissions.

“The reason for this offence is a long-standing drug habit.

“He served in the army but left in 1997.

“After leaving the army he received no type of counselling whatsoever and as a result he came under the influence of drugs to escape from the horrors he had seen.

“He does appear to be addressing this issue.”

Barton was given a 12-month community order with supervision, a drug rehabilitation requirement, and a 13-week curfew between 7pm and 7am.

He must also pay £85 costs and a £60 surcharge.