POLICE found drugs on a man while searching him in a South Tyneside street.
Michael Birrell was arrested after an officer discovered £30 of amphetamine in his pockets, and a further £15 worth of cannabis was also found on the 35-year-old during a subsequent search.
Birrell, of Torquay Parade, Hebburn, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing class B drugs at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said: “He was in Hill Street in Jarrow at about 10.50pm on February 22 when police stopped him.
“They searched him due to his demeanour and found a bag of white powder that he said was speed.
“He said he knew he shouldn’t have had it, and in the police station the officers found cannabis resin.
“He said he had bought the speed for £30 and the cannabis for £15 but wouldn’t say who from.”
David Hatfield, defending, said: “He knew he had things on him that he shouldn’t.
“He takes them both but not excessive amounts and takes speed. He uses one to calm him down and the other to bring him back up again but he realises it needs to stop and is already trying to get help.”
Magistrates gave Birrell a 12-month supervision order and told him to pay a £60 victim surcharge.