Driver caught with heroin and crack

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard this month how Steven Hughes, 32, of Hallcroft, Middleton, Matlock, was found in possession of the class A drugs with a street value of about £80.

Prosecuting solicitor John Cooper said: “The defendant was driving a car and was stopped by police due to a malfunctioning brake light.

“He left the vehicle in a quick manner and was behaving in a furtive way as the vehicle was checked for defects.

“Police noticed what appeared to be a cannabis pipe on a rear passenger seat and the defendant had a tightly, clenched fist and he was searched and found with crack cocaine and heroin.”

Hughes admitted possessing 0.23grammes of crack cocaine and 1.05grammes of diamorphine or heroin after the incident in January.

He told police the drugs were for his personal use only.

Defence solicitor Julie Page said: “Mr Hughes accepts he bought the drugs.

“Historically he has had a more significant problem with drugs but he has since been helped with a methadone prescription.

“His use of illegal substances has been reduced. His intention is to become and remain drug-free.

“He has a partner who doesn’t approve of his lifestyle and they have a three-year-old child together.”

Magistrates fined Hughes £233 and ordered him to pay a £23 victim surcharge and £85 costs.