A DRUG dealer almost died when he tried to swallow bags of drugs during a police raid at his brother's home.

Kevin Clark choked on the packages of heroin and crack cocaine, and paramedics were called to save him.

Clark's lawyer told a court the incident had been a "wake-up call" for him to try to kick his habit.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 37-year-old had been addicted to heroin for more than 20 years.

On the morning of the raid, he withdrew a £300 compensation payment and travelled to Stockton to buy drugs.

He called at the home of his brother in Hartlepool, but police were there to speak to some burglary suspects.

When Clark saw the officers, he ran upstairs and shoved the packages in his mouth before he could be caught.

Ambulance crew and police recovered a total of £190-worth of heroin and ten rocks of crack valued at £200.

Clark, of Bodmin Grove, Hartlepool, admitted two charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

He said most of the substances were for him, but planned to share some with other addicts without charging.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, jailed him for two years after hearing of previous convictions for drug-dealing.

Martin Scarborough, mitigating, said Clark was "motivated to address his problem" after the drama on May 12.

"It has been a wake-up call," he told Judge Bourne-Arton. "He almost died when he choked on the drugs.

"He seems to be trying to get himself off the drugs and turn his life around - albeit a bit late in the day.

"After 20 years of using drugs, he is showing a determination to address the addiction he has."

Mr Scarborough argued for a suspended prison sentence, saying Clark had gone a long time without offending.

But the judge told Clark: "Despite you taking steps to rid yourself of the addiction you have had since you were 15, I do not see exceptional circumstances."