A FORMER teacher was yesterday warned to expect jail after he admitted cocaine found in his car was to share among friends.

The admission was made by Ian Ashby on the basis that he had been using the Class A drug as relief for a long-term back injury and that he intended to share it at a stag weekend.

Ashby was arrested after an ounce of cocaine, with 22g of caffeine mixing agent, was found in his Mercedes car, at the Sniperley park-and-ride site, on the outskirts of Durham City.

He was working as an IT and business studies teacher at Stanley School of Technology, in County Durham, at the time, in May last year.

He was suspended, and has since resigned following prolonged absence through illhealth as a result of his back condition. The charge did not relate to supplying or intending to supply drugs to pupils.

Ashby, 30, of Benfieldside Way, Shotley Bridge, near Consett, County Durham, previously denied possessing cocaine with intent to supply, but yesterday, on the day his trial was due to start, changed his plea to guilty.

Chris Williamson, prosecuting, said: “The prosecution does not know who he had in mind to supply it to, but there was evidence of a stag party the next weekend after he was stopped. There is, however, medical evidence he did have a bad back.”

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned sentencing for probation reports, but warned him: “You must expect and prepare to receive a custodial sentence when you return.

“People who supply cocaine must expect to go to prison.”

He bailed Ashby to return for sentencing on June 15.