POLICE who approached a vehicle that appeared to have broken down found drugs on the occupant, a court heard.

Darren Carl Eddy, of Price Avenue, Bishop Auckland, admitted possessing amphetamines when he appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe yesterday.

Eddy, 35, became agitated when police approached the car, the court was told.

He dropped a packet containing amphetamine, a class B drug. Eddy said he had bought the drugs that day for £10 for personal use.

Robert Willoughby, for Eddy, said his client did have a drug problem during last year.

Mr Willoughby said: "He says he wasn't addicted to amphetamine, which he used on an occasional basis, but he did have a problem with heroin."

He said Eddy had sought help, was on a methadone programme and no longer used illegal substances.

Eddy, who also admitted two offences of failing to surrender, was fined £50 by magistrates and ordered to pay £80 costs.