A YOUNG drug-taker twice helped an undercover police officer in his quest for heroin, a court was told.

As a known drug user, Jack Birkett was approached by the officer to help pinpoint where he could find someone to supply him with heroin, in Chester-le-Street.

Durham Crown Court heard that Birkett was, effectively, a “conduit” to more serious drug suppliers, ringing them after being approached by the officer.

It enabled the under cover officer to buy 1.51g and 204mg of the class-A drug, on March 6 and April 30, for sums of no more than £40.

Lewis Kerr, prosecuting, said, when later arrested, Birkett was found to be in possession of a small amount of heroin himself, albeit secreted in his boxer shorts.

Mr Kerr added that the defendant made no apparent financial gain from either deal.

Birkett, 22, of Ernest Street, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, admitted two counts relating to the supply of heroin, and one of simple possession.

The court heard he has 13 convictions for 17 offences, many of which have a "drug element" to them.

But, the court was told he could be considered more of a user than a dealer.

Judge Christopher Prince said that given that the defendant has spent two months in custody prior to sentence, he was able to pass a ten-month term of imprisonment, but suspended for a year.

This would include a 25-day probation-supervised rehabilitation activity requirement.

The judge added that he had noted in the pre-sentence report, prepared by the Probation Service, that Birkett intended to attend a drug rehabilitation unit in Scarborough, on his release from prison.

"Hopefully, you will be successful in that venture," he added.