A MAN who trafficked cocaine and amphetamines to pay off a debt has been jailed for 30 months.

Darren Hawkins had never been in trouble with the police before, until dealers told him he could pay off money he owed by delivering drugs.

Teesside Crown Court heard his car was stopped by police on July 22 and he was found to have 29.9g of cocaine and 2.5 kilos of amphetamine.

When they searched the 20-year-old's home, more amphetamine was found, but it was for his own personal use.

Cath Fagan, prosecuting, said the total street value of the drugs was £27,000.

Hawkins, of Kelvin Grove, Park End, Middlesbrough, had fallen into debt after losing his job as an electrician's assistant last June and was given a loan by criminals.

He was then offered the chance to repay the money by delivering the drugs.

John Gillette, mitigating, said his client was previously of good character, but had been nave and impulsive.

Hawkins had pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs with intent to supply and one of possession.

A proceeds of crime hearing will be held on July 1.