A JUDGE warned a reforming amphetamine addict he risks a prison sentence if he reverts to his drug-taking habit.

It follows 37-year-old Paul Andrew Smith's eighth conviction for possessing the Class B drug.

Durham Crown Court heard he was initially charged with possession with intent to supply the drug.

It arose from a police raid at his former address, in Naisbitt Avenue, Horden, last May.

Mark Giuliani, prosecuting, said Smith handed police a packet from his pocket, containing 73.1-grams of amphetamines.

Mr Giuliani said the drugs had a potential street-sale value of £730, although they can be bought for £160 at wholesale prices. Officers also seized £1,300 during the raid, suspecting it was the proceeds of drug dealing.

The court heard that Smith is serving a community order for a previous drug possession conviction, but has, so far, successfully kicked the habit.

Roger Moore, mitigating, said: "He's had trouble with amphetamines for a long time, about 15 years, but his record has nothing on it more sinister than that.

"The community order has involved him going on a course, which began the Monday after the police raid.

"It was a 20-week drug-related course, and he's not taken amphetamines since, which is fantastic for him.

Imposing a 12-month community supervision order, with 80-hours' unpaid work, Judge Peter Bowers told Smith: "No one has yet considered locking you up, but that's still an option to the courts. If you breach this order, even by simple possession again, then it is time someone takes it in hand, and I mean, by that, a prison sentence."

Smith was ordered to pay £350 court costs.

"He's a man who has had back trouble, from a car accident, and suffered depression, yet despite this has managed to face his demons."

Mr Moore said the cash recovered by police was raised from the sale of a car and furniture after Smith split with a former partner.

Smith, now of Eighth Street, Horden, denied possession of amphetamines with intent to supply, but admitted simple possession.

Mr Giuliani said the prosecution now considers the plea, acceptable.

Imposing a 12-month community supervision order, with 80-hours' unpaid work, Judge Peter Bowers told Smith: "No one has yet considered locking you up, but that's still an option to the courts.

"If you breach this order, even by simple possession again, then it is time someone takes it in hand, and I mean, by that, a prison sentence."

Smith was ordered to pay £350 court costs.