A MAN admitted possessing the drug Ecstasy after police officers found four tablets hidden inside his baseball cap.

Stephen Dickens, 23, was stopped by officers on February 14 while he rode a bike without lights.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, told Darlington magistrates yesterday how officers searched Dickens, because of his attitude, and found a wrap of silver paper containing the tablets concealed in the lining of his cap.

In interview, Dickens said he had been given the cap by a friend and he had not known the tablets were there.

Dickens admitted possessing the drugs.

In mitigation, Callum Terry said the drugs had not been for his client's use.

Magistrates gave Dickens, of Holgate Moor Green, Darlington, 100 hours of community punishment and a 12- month rehabilitation order.