A FORMER teacher appeared in court yesterday accused of being a cocaine dealer.

Ian Ashby was employed at Stanley School of Technology College, in County Durham, when he was arrested.

Magistrates were told police found the drugs in a car Mr Ashby was driving.

Mr Ashby, who has since left the school, appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Consett Magistrates’ Court was told he was driving a Mercedes car in Durham City on May 16 when the vehicle was pulled over by a traffic police officer.

The prosecution said a search found a rucksack containing 16 wraps of white powder, which tests have proved was cocaine.

The drugs had a street value of £2,000.

The court heard that a bag found in the car contained 28.9 grammes of cocaine.

Electric weighing scales, a small bag of glucose and a mixing cup were also found in the car.

Mr Ashby, who gave his address as Benfieldside Way, Shotley Bridge, Consett, and who previously lived at Peile Park, Shotley Bridge, entered no plea.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and granted him unconditional bail.

He will return to Consett Magistrates’ Court on January 26 when he will be committed to appear before Durham Crown Court.

Mr Ashby left the court after the five-minute hearing and ran to a black Mercedes that was parked around the corner.

A spokeswoman for Durham County Local Education Authority confirmed Mr Ashby no longer worked at the school in Tyne Road, Stanley.

She said he resigned following a prolonged period of absence due to ill health.

A spokesman for Durham Police stressed the charge did not involve any suspicion of supplying cocaine to pupils.