A HOMELESS man gave drugs to one of two teenagers he befriended on a town centre streets, a court heard.

Tony Dodds, who was drinking alcohol stolen from a shop the same day, took a parcel from his sock and offered amphetamines to the boys, aged 13 and 14.

Durham Crown Court heard that one declined, but the 14-year-old took the stimulant, which had a significant effect on him.

Joanne Kidd, prosecuting, said the 13-year-old’s concerned mother rang on his mobile phone at one stage, but 30-year-old Dodds took the call and pretended to be the other boy’s father.

He was asked to bring them home by 8.30pm.

Eventually the other boy made his way home, but Dodds was concerned as the drug was increasingly effecting the 14-year-old, and he did not want him to return home in that condition.

Miss Kidd said Dodds decided to make the two-and-a-half mile journey from Bishop Auckland to Shildon, in the hope that the boy would recover on the walk.

By then the mother of the other boy had passed on her concerns about the 14-year-old to his parents.

Police were contacted at 10.30pm and eventually found the boy walking with Dodds, who was arrested.

The boy was admitted to hospital where he was treated for the effects of the drug.

Miss Kidd said earlier that day, Wednesday March 15, Dodds also robbed a man after punching him in the face when he refused to hand him two cigarettes.

Dodds told police he had met the boys, but denied offering them amphetamines.

The defendant, formerly of Coronation Avenue, Shildon, admitted the robbery, but on the day of trial also admitted supplying amphetamines.

Robert Mochrie, mitigating, said in drink, Dodds had not fully appreciated the boys’ ages and had, “no sinister intentions”.

Jailing him for two years, Recorder Tahir Khan told Dodds: “I accept your life was in turmoil at the time, as you were homeless and had a lot to drink, and would not have behaved as you did if you were not under the influence of alcohol.”