A DARLINGTON man threw drugs over a fence as he tried to flee from police, a court was told.

Robert Moore, 36, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Friday (August 15) and admitted possession of heroin and cannabis.

He had £50 worth of heroin in his possession, as well as a small amount of cannabis, when police executed a drugs warrant at his home, in High Northgate, in July.

Prosecutor Blair Martin said Moore was seen throwing drugs over a fence and trying to flee the scene.

Mr Martin said Moore was later found with cannabis in his shoe, which the defendant claimed must have got stuck to his sock at home.

Moore has 18 previous convictions and admitted being a habitual drug user, although he had been drug free for two years until December last year.

Probation officers said Moore went back to drugs last Christmas time, when he missed his prescription for a heroin substitute.

Moore is married and has been employed for the last 20 years, working full time at a family business, his solicitor told the court.

Magistrates made Moore the subject of a six-month community order.

He was also ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work, with £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.