A MAN who supplied drugs to undercover police officers could be spared jail when he is sentenced next week.

Craig Addison yesterday pleaded guilty to a string of offences committed between March and August last year.

He will return to Teesside Crown Court next Monday after an assessment is carried out by probation officials.

Judge George Moorhouse wants to see if Addison is suitable for a drug treatment and testing order instead of prison.

Addison, 29, was described by his barrister, Paul Cleasby, as "an out-of-work drug addict" who dealt to fund his habit.

The court heard how the police operation did not target Addison, but he agreed to supply officers when he was asked.

Judge Moorhouse told Addison he should not expect a non-custodial sentence simply because the assessment was being carried out.

He added: "In cases like this, people almost always go to prison. I am making no promises."

Addison, of Ketton Road, Stockton, admitted two charges of supplying heroin as well as one each of attempting to supply and offering to supply cocaine, and possessing cannabis.