John Sherwin was collared when police raided his home and found 12 bags of the Class A drug hidden in a training shoe in the back yard, and more stashed inside a CD case.

Officers also found 1,008 diazepam tablets stored in his garden shed.

The cocaine had a street value of between £1,750 and £2,500, and the diazepam would have been worth about £500.

The 22-year-old told officers he was warehousing the diazepam but admitted supplying the cocaine on behalf of someone else.

Sherwin, of Dame Flora Robson Avenue, South Shields, admitted possession of Class A and C drugs with intent to supply.

Stephen Duffield, defending, said: "Any money he made out of supplying drugs was principally to fund his own habit."

Mr Duffield said Sherwin has managed to kick his drug habit, has a steady job and is unlikely to ever become involved in dealing again.

But Judge Beatrice Bolton sentenced him to 20 months' imprisonment.

The judge said: "I accept there is someone higher up the chain who was organising your sales, but without people like you the people higher up can't function."

Judge Bolton seized Sherwin's £120 in assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

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