A MAN who was caught with 35g of cocaine in his home has been given a conditional discharge.

Macauley Jordan Owen appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday where he faced one charge of possession of a Class A drug.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty after police searched his property in Appleby Close, Darlington on August 3.

Emma Cruickshank, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was arrested for an unrelated offence in Darlington and a search of his home was then carried out by police where a quantity of cocaine was located. He was also subject to a community order from last year."

Owen, now of the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough, represented himself in court.

Judge Tim Capstick said: "For this offence I am giving you a conditional discharge for 12 months. If you stay out of trouble you will hear no more about it." Owen was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £21 victim surcharge.