A DEALER who thought he was supplying escstasy to clubbers was actually dishing out sinus medication.

Mark Robson, 22, had bought 50 pills to sell to customers at The Groove nightclub in Washington thinking it was the class A drug.

But after he was collared and arrested even he was stunned to find he had been handing out a harmless treatment for blocked sinuses.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Robson was arrested when door staff spotted him acting suspiciously inside the club.

He admitted to police had paid £100 for the tablets in order to sell on.

But prosecutor Tony Glover told the court: "The twist in the tale is when the tablets were sent away they weren't ecstasy at all.

"He had obviously been the victim of deception himself."

Robson, of Westerhope Road, Barmston, Washington, admitted attempted possession of ecstasy with intent to supply.

judge Guy Whitburn deferred sentence for six months and ordered Robson to find work and keep out of trouble in the meantime.

The judge said he will then consider passing a suspended prison sentence.

Judge Whitburn told him: "I'm giving you a chance."