Man handed over heroin and 64 Xanax tablets after being collared by police in a South Tyneside pub

Jobless Liam Edmunds, 26, of Biscop Terrace, Jarrow, immediately confessed, ‘I’ve got heroin in my bag, I’ll be honest’.

He went to the boozer after a report of a separate incident, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

Police who were called to deal with that matter on Wednesday, January 15, located him soon afterwards in a nearby boozer.

He has now been hit with fines and court costs of £277 after pleading guilty to possession of illegal Class A heroin and to having 64 tablets of Class C Xanax.

Prosecutor Kirstie Devine said: “Police attend an address.

“They located him in a pub nearby. He tells them, ‘I’ve got heroin in my bag, I’ll be honest’.

“I would ask for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.”

Val Bell, defending, said: “Mr Edmunds has pleaded guilty immediately to this matter.

“He’s a man who is a vulnerable adult. There’s a history of mental health issues.

“He did not have a drug problem at any time. He is, very sensibly, working with an adult recovery service.”

Addressing magistrates before sentencing, Edmunds said: “I’m really sorry for what’s happened.

“I got myself in a really bad place, but I’m doing well.”

Edmunds was fined £120 for possession of heroin and £40 for possession of Xanax, and he must pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs recovered by police.

No further details about the alleged separate incident were revealed to the court.

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