Drug user spotted by police buying wrap of heroin outside Hartlepool shop

David Burdon, 27, pleaded guilty to buying a wrap of heroin when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said Burdon, of Burbank Street, was seen by police on March 5, at around midday, talking to other men outside a shop in the town.

She said: “The officer sees him with a foil wrap in his right hand.”

Ms Hesse said he threw it over a fence, but it was recovered and found to be heroin and he was arrested.

She said: “He told officers he was buying the drugs and when he was spotted by the police officer he was handing over £10 to the other man.

“He is a heroin addict and on a methadone treatment programme.”

Neil Taylor, defending, said: “This offence is as straight forward and simple as my friend has outlined.

“David Burdon was topping up his methadone and went out and bought a wrap of heroin.

“He pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity and I would ask you to give him credit for that.”

Mr Taylor said Burdon has not been in trouble with the police for almost a year.

He said: “He seems to be making reasonable progress with his life.”

Burdon said he only bought the heroin because there was a mix-up with the dates of his prescription, so he couldn’t get his methadone that day.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge.