South Shields drugs man had heroin in his pants

Magistrates in South Tyneside hear Lee Chapman, 31, ran away after officers stopped his car on Boldon Lane.

The drugs were in foil wraps, but Chapman, of John Williamson Street, South Shields, claimed they were for his own use.

Paul Anderson. proecuting, said: “The defendant was driving a Vauxhall Corsa and tried to run away but, after being caught, police found 10 wraps of what was later found to be heroin hidden in the bottom of his right trouser leg.

“In total there was just over 11g of the drug. Chapman said he bought the drugs for £150 for his own use.”

Chapman admitted possession of a class A drug on May 25.

Gerry Armstrong, defending, said: “There may be a suspicion this man was involved to a greater degree with drugs than simply possessing them. The offence was several months ago, and since that time the police have conducted exhaustive inquiries.

“Mr Chapman’s car was taken from him, his mobile phone was seized, and they searched his house.

“There is nothing to suggest this is anything other than simple possession of heroin.”

The bench ordered Chapman to pay £155 in fines and costs.

The seized drugs will be confiscated and destroyed.