A TEENAGER who was found to have 20 bags of drugs under his bed, has been fined.

Luke Pearson, of Beaumont Place, Peterlee, admitted one charge of possession Class B drugs when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard how the 18 year old's mother found the drugs in a plastic bag under his bed in March this year and called the police.

Probation officer, Hilary Payne, told the court said Pearson was "immature" and had no positive role models in his life.

She said his mother had given him an "ultimatum" over his drug use and had to choose between her son and her three other children.

Ms Payne said Pearson was then "put out the house" and also spent six months in prison after being convicted of criminal damage and theft.

She said he had also spent time in Lanchester Road Hospital where he was treated for mental health problems.

"He kept the drugs for people," she said. "He's moved over to the Teesside area and got a hostel. He's also applied for his CSCS card so hopefully he can go work on some sites."

She added: "He's an immature young man purely because of his age and his lack of life skills."

Pearson's solicitor said: "It has been a very difficult year for him."

Magistrate, Gary Walker, fined Pearson £120 and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge.