A FIREMAN is facing jail after being caught with drugs worth an estimated street value of around £400,000.
Carl Miller, a Hartlepool firefighter, was caught with cocaine and cannabis that he admits he intended to supply to others.
The 28-year-old, who is also well known in the town’s rugby circles, appeared in custody at Teesside Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to two drugs charges.
They were that on October 5 last year, he admitted to being in possession of Class A drugs, namely a quantity of cocaine, which is estimated to be worth £400,000, with intent to supply on October 5 last year.
Miller, who wore glasses, a grey suit and light blue shirt during his short court appearance, also admits having cannabis, a Class B drug, the previous day, again with the intention of supplying it to others.
The dad of one, of Marlowe Road, in the Rift House area of Hartlepool, was remanded in custody.
The case was adjourned for several weeks while background probation reports are prepared ready for a sentencing hearing.
The court heard that the authorities will launch proceedings to confiscate any illegal profits Miller may have under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Judge Peter Armstrong told Miller: “Sentencing in respect of the matters to which you have pleaded guilty this morning will be adjourned until Friday, February 22.
“The purpose of adjourning sentence is so a pre-sentence report can be prepared on you. A probation officer will come to see you so make sure you co-operate with them.
“Then you will be brought back to court on that day. You have to remain in custody in the mean time.”
Phil Lancaster, director of community protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “When we were informed of the allegations against Carl Miller, we sought legal advice and have taken the appropriate action to protect the brigade and the public without prejudicing the police investigation into these matters.
“Before Mr Miller entered a formal plea a disciplinary investigation was commenced by the brigade into his alleged conduct.
“That investigation will now be progressed to conclusion with all due vigour.”
The former Brierton pupil and Hartlepool Sixth Form College student appeared in the Hartlepool Mail in August last year when he won the nutty slack race during the Headland Carnival.
He is also well-known through playing rugby for West Hartlepool RFC.